Dance: Set your body free

Dear creative,

How are you doing?

For this week, I'm re-sharing a poem I first posted in 2022, called Dance. I'm also thrilled to share one of my favorite poets, Qurat Dar's work – their book, Non Prophet just came out!

(2022-07-29)

Today I’m reading a poem I wrote recently called Dance. I got to read it at another open mic at a phenomenal event yesterday Tartan Turban Secret Readings. You can listen or read along below:

Content Note: Mention of physical punishment in a class setting

The littlest version of me
knew how to hold dance poses
with poise, every picture of me
My hands hold invisible flowers
body twisting into a bouquet

I danced every chance
In front of relatives at weddings
On stages with audience cheering
In front of the mirror always
A dance teacher's dream

My mother covered the mirrors with newspapers
Worried I was turning self obsessed
Sent me to a bharathanatyam class
A sea of orange tunics red pants and anklets
Moving to the twang of the teacher's cane

Squat deeper, dance longer
I hurt, tired
Cane flung across the room
swiping my shins
I burn from the shame
my face forgotten

I quit the class
My father happy i wouldn't shake my body before strangers
My mother upset I gave up so easy
My teacher dismayed
begged me to return
I stood my stubborn ground
Kept my scared little soul safe

Dance became my hidden secret
Moved in private only for myself
Yearning everyday for performance
For my peripheries to reach in unison with fellow dancers
While I sat by the sidelines, grieving

When yesterday queer Tamils gathered
A pride celebration among
The music of my spirit the music of our spirit
My body pulled itself to the front
Gave into the rhythm
In circles I went clapping and stomping, remembering.

I had the honour of studying poetry alongside Qurat Dar at Tyler Pennock's Writing Poetry class. Their poetry reveres animals, monsters and the earth, and will resonate so deeply if you seek to embody an unruliness that defies religious dogma and claim queer pleasure inside out.

Their first collection, Non-Prophet won the Claire Harris Poetry prize and was released this week. The print copy has a beautiful matte textured finish that is so soothing to touch: link to get yours.

I leave you with one of their poems published in Canthius Mag — Al-Waqi'ah [56:27]: before touching a lover by Qurat Dar.

Take care and see you next week!