We’re delighted to be publishing a pair of stunning poems from Isabelle Cory, a writer, actor and director based in St Andrews. Isabelle recently interned at Edinburgh Fringe, which she describes as an amazing experience that affirmed her passion for theatre and spoken-word. Her vibrant, melodious poetry centres on femininity, mental health and resilience; we’re sure you’ll feel connected to the poignant imagery she evokes. Thank you, Isabelle, for trusting us with your beautiful words.
Monsters and gardens
for Ben Moor
How can I grow downwards but never sprout flowers out of my head
I am more than twisting roots
Burying under and under
Crawling sidewards to steal droplets
Crossing on the diagonal
No one can see this puzzle I am making
Mazing through ancient ground
Growing without ever mouthing a sound
Why can’t my flowers be loud
Where are my screaming fuchsias
Vocalising carnations
Orchids with differing intonations
I have all the foundations beneath
But my mind cannot seem to form practice from theory
I want space to bloom
Petals and foliage taking over room upon room upon room
Look at me blossom!
Look at me willow tree and flower!
Look at me buzzing bees!
See how my nectar beams!
Oh, how I dream of it.
This earth that I will burst through
Wait for me and I will surprise you
to know belonging
afraid to open the bedroom window
what if my heart decides to jump
escaping through the gap
she doesn’t want to be here
in this room
crowded by walls
where the air is thin
and the sunlight barely reaches her face
this is where i’ve laid down my roots
and they’ve only just taken hold
pinching onto the soil
with girl-sized fingers
she yearns to be somewhere else
where there are people and things she knows
signs she can recognise
corners she has stood on
lamplights she has bathed under
i want to console her
tell her that she’s allowed to leave
that i understand
promise i won’t be angry
but she must try
she must learn to grow
right here
in the now
not the wish-to-be
Keep up with Isabelle on Instagram @isabellespoems and @turningpointtheatreco.
MEDUSA 