Love emBodies You – S. Renée Mitchell
On June 24, 2018, Resonance Ensemble's Poet in Residence, S. Renee Mitchell premiered this original work at BODIES, the third and final concert of our ninth season. The concert took place at Cerimon House, in Portland, OR.
“so no matter what was witnessed, whispered, shouted, or scribbled on your locker, lunch bag, note book or desk in that first period math class you hated so much
you do matter
your body was never invisible”
Photo Credit: Kenton Waltz
Love emBodies You
(c) 2018 S. Renee Mitchell
bodies bodies bodies
arms legs collarbone shoulder
each limb holds thousands of portals
opportunities really
that all long for the tender touch of another
toes lips fingertips honeyed eyes
all embody evidence - proof really
of whether touches over the whole of our lives
have transmitted tenderness
|or dull aches from that frightful pinch on the back of the arm
all transferences - of love or of pain - are possible
through the touch of another
how then do we begin to find our own rhythm
to express the individual and unique melodies
buried within each of our bodies
blood memories of a lifetime of public and private interactions
what then, pray tell, could adequately express
the stanzas of your siren’s song
unquestionably
your "you ness" is indisputable
just as surely as is the two-haired mole
underneath your upper arm
off centered - just north of your elbow
its unmistakable presence is there - as are you
so no matter
what was witnessed, whispered, shouted, or scribbled
on your locker, lunch bag, note book
or desk in that first period math class you hated so much
you do matter
your body was never invisible
think back, if you will
to the resonance of fresh oxygen
filling your lungs for the first time
how you reminded all within earshot
that you have arrived
your presence on this earth
is irrefutable
it is only when public choices
of whom to embrace
where to touch
when private preferences are witnessed or imagined
that erupts a wrong note
generates discord and public disgust
emboldens closed minds - and closeted hypocrites
who attempt to erase queer relevance
erect psychological walls of hate
manufacture heartbreak
like it was a red-light special
giving one permission
to procure hated with a 2-for-1 discounting
- no coupon required
you there over listening to my words
what key does that type of misery sing in?
where on your body do you carry the ache
seeded from the ongoing trauma
of America’s same-sex shame
yes I am talking to you
you who have swallowed your melody
and imprisoned it in the back of your throat
it is time to sing a new song
think pretty thoughts
feel stunning
wave your rainbow high
today
in these particular moments we are sharing together
we will celebrate through songs
quotes - poetic intention
the struggle for marriage equality
today we will honor the lives
of those imprisoned for pursuing their passion
those hung on lonely rural fences
or beaten on busy city streets
today - we see you
we see you, you and you
we see you, you and even you
today
we will celebrate
how living for pleasure
made Oscar Wilde
together - we will witness
the cadence of a
feisty - gender bending song of perfect propriety
together - we will relate to Hannah’s relief
after discovering a comforting word - a magic word -
in her local library
that reminded her – finally
she was not alone
not even when she was once he
the lyrics of songs will be bold
the diverse musical styles will be woven into a whole
but ultimately all asking
- how can we be a dream?
how can we sing a new song – individually and in unison?
how can our hopes fly over the rainbow?
today - this gathering holds space for healing
it is here
where you are loved unconditionally
it is here - together
where you are your own self
and you are welcomed - seen - celebrated - complete
no assembly required
arms neck legs shoulder
|each limb longs for the touch of another
toes lips fingertips honeyed eyes
all embody evidence
of how love has entered our bodies
so I ask you: who can sing your ballad but you?
look within to find your distinctive tempo
pluck words from lingering grief
unabashed gratitude and even shameless indulgence
craft your chorus with love
love that lifts and dwells and moves the stars
love open and strong
- authentic and ancient
love that is loud, flamboyant - and full of pride
so sorry - that it took - so long
Photo Credit: Kenton Waltz
ABOUT S. RENEE MITCHELL
S. Renee Mitchell, POET IN RESIDENCE, is a published author, curriculum designer, community activist and multi-media artist. She also is a sur\thriver who has found her life purpose since disentangling from bullying, sexual assault and domestic violence. After 25 years as an award-winning newspaper journalist - where she was nominated twice for the Pulitzer Prize - Renee reinvented herself as a Creative Revolutionist; co-founded a culturally specific, drop-in DV resource center; and began gifting her talents to community as a poet, playwright, performer, speaker, teaching artist and self-taught graphic designer in order to create and contribute to empowering projects and programs, community healing ceremonies, plays, songs and books about healing from trauma. Motivated by intention and heart, Renee’s deepest desire is to help others use their creativity to let go, gather up and move on in order to find themselves, their voice, and their place in the world. You can find out more about Renee’s work at ReneeMitchellSpeaks.com.