“‘Possession’ is inspired by exorcism movies and tv shows, including The Exorcism of Emily Rose and Penny Dreadful. In many possession stories, the woman is portrayed as corrupted by the devil, powerless against him, and in need of divine intervention from a priest. In this poem, I offer an alternative in which the possessed woman retains both her sexuality and autonomy.”
A cross upside down over the bed
she writhes
the dangers of nighttime, exploring hands
the devil comes, or is it desire
that makes her body contort
her pupils dilate
no restraints here, no Latin,
no other voice in her mouth,
no rough men’s hands holding her limbs
only her hands on her body
her fingers inside
eyes to the whites
her spine a crescent moon
her head swivels round
her body contracts
she casts the devil out
