Crispin Rodrigues (b. 1988)
SELECTED POEMS
big boi
when others say that you are wasted space
swallow them whole & spit out their bones.
in your body lies a liver strong enough to consume
ambrosia, a gallbladder to hold a fistful of courage
to hold a punch back. the marrow that builds
your bones holds this house & houses to come.
when others command you to hold your tongue
tell them in your body lies a menagerie
of creatures who have roosted in a nest of kind milk.
scale & fang & tooth & claw have found
shelter. they feel no need to burst forth, but rest
in each other's company. they find a reason to sleep.
you're big just as god intended, & you'll grow bigger
still. just remember: there is space. there is always space.
by Crispin Rodrigues
from dragon.paper.wind (2024)
