Home

The title poem “Home” exists as a short film that follows a young Kenyan girl’s relationship with her body, her name is Adhis. It begins in the past, weaving through a time in Africa where a woman’s body housed joy, confidence and was celebrated in dressing & dance. The poem brings us to Adhis’ childhood where this joy continues as she discovers her love for the outdoors. The joy is interrupted by Adhis’ mum who introduces a bright red shame and makes Adhis more conscious of her body. The poem then takes us to a teenage Adhis, desperate to love her body again but this time shame is introduced by the Catholic sisters in her school. Adhis battles with viewing her body from the male gaze. The poem highlights words Adhis carries with her that have complicated her relationship with her body. It ends with the proverbial phoenix (Adhis) rising from the ashes and her fight to come back home to herself.