Engender Zine Summer Special 2020

Mind Wandering Karen Okoroafor Daybreak––I’m alarmed and unmoving The noise makes no difference this time I wake to my eyes unopened Fighting the darkness of morning This spans till my feet meet the floor Months ago I had eaten by now Time took the spring in my everything Letting want grow into its place I walk as it still seems the evening Quicker pace out of my reach Reason out of resolution Needing but not knowing what Noon––I walk where required Days pass and I know the ground better Gut dictates every movement Leading with no destination I walk till I stop leaning forward All straightens when I am upright All seems to change just as I do Bending toward feeling and will I fold in half at my center My thoughts travel only downhill Where instinct lives in isolation Resting in arrogant power Evening––my head and my feet meet Mattress their common terrain Accustomed to cloudy surroundings Seeking desensitization