By Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes in collaboration with the Armenian artist, Tatiana Ferahian
TRAUMA
(Inspired by the women of the Armenian Genocide who were tattooed by their captors).
The body remembers
contusions the epidermis forgets
Recounts kisses
forcibly sealed within lips
Carry’s the weight
of wounds
time hastily erases
Feels the blunt force
of each hand
tied behind back
Bleeds internally
until the needle of a voice
punctures skin
with the name of the transgressor.
Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes was born and raised in San Diego, California. He attended Herbert Hoover High School and went on to study Religion and Theology at the University of San Diego. His book Intimate Geography, published by Ragged Sky Press, won the 2012 San Diego Book Award for Poetry. Ish, as he is known, has also written lyrics for German musicians Andrea Hörkens and Thomas Roderburg (Tender Art).
Latest posts by Ishmael von Heidrick-Barnes (see all)
- Word’s Out | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 14, 2018
- Political Love Affair | Geo-Poetic Spaces - December 7, 2018
- Deer Tracks | Geo-Poetic Spaces - November 30, 2018
