Virgin Oak

By John Poitier Jr.

I rested my secrets upon the oaks’

Lips, scratched by the unforgiving skin,

Worn ragged by the rain and winds-

Tore away at my flesh, 

Softened by the tears and ink of 

My last heart-fall.

Lying beneath her roots, 

I begged forgiveness for my sins,

Prayed to the leaves above for mercy

From the sun’s knives-

Flashing beams that slashed my

Flesh, until I bled sweat. 

I rested my heartbreaks upon the oaks’

Eyes, dried by the winds flowing through

scattered branches, scorched by the drought,

She knows my soul’s core,

And I pray that she plants my words,

Into the earth,

So that Nature’s mercy may find me in my sadness.

I rested my thoughts upon the oaks’

Feet, anointed by crystals drained from

My spirit, and,

I rested.

Then I was gone.

About the Author

John Shaquille Poitier Jr., Virginia State University

John Shaquille Poitier Jr. is a Bahamian-born author, poet, and honors biology major at Virginia State University. He is the author of Mangoes in the Summertime, The Birds, and Son of Elohim, blending themes of faith, identity, and mental health. His work bridges science and storytelling, aiming to heal and inspire across disciplines and cultures.