The Radiant Isio
Image Description
A group of disabled queer Black folks talk and laugh at a sleepover, relaxing across two large beds. Everyone is dressed in colorful t-shirts and wearing a variety of sleep scarves, bonnets, and durags. On the left, two friends sit on one bed and paint each other’s nails. On the right, four people lounge on a bed: one person braids another’s hair while the third friend wearing a C-PAP mask laughs, and the fourth person looks up from their book. In the center, a bedside lamp illuminates the room in warm light while pill bottles adorn an end table
Music that inspired this Poem
The Space Travelers Lullaby by Kamasi Washington
As the head Isio of my galaxy it’s my duty to make sure that all my planets are in harmony.
I do this by shining, dancing and singing. Anything to entertain my planets and ensure normalcy.
You see, my planets, all three of them, did not get along well.
I don’t know if I should tell you this because it’s technically galactic intel.
Nevertheless, as an Isio we love gossip thus the truth I must tell.
You see all three planet’s hate the fact that they share an orbit
It’s sad to witness considering they were once a tight circuit.
They tussle and shout for even a glimpse of my light.
They spin, they whirl without no respite.
Yet still they fight to receive my spotlight.
Being the dazzling Isio I am I have a great plan.
Why not make these planets become even stronger fans
To show them that Isio’s can dazzle in more ways than one.
I sing and dance make sure to show them good fun.
They hoot, they cry, and all of them smile.
And they especially love my freestyle.
And so it is, I fulfil my Isio duty.
Covering my planets with my love and beauty.
Some may say I’m full of it
But I’d tell them don’t be a hypocrite.
Isio’s are meant to shine.
And maybe you will too, in due time.