The Homunculi

Note: This is a poem I posted initially on Substack, back in 2024.

The Homunculi is a poem about chronic pain, and my relationship with it. About five years ago, I strained my neck while carrying a heavy pallete at my old job. What I should've done was ask for help lifting it, but we were tight on people, and I didn't want to bother anyone. That shyness has been my undoing for quite some time now.

It's not always bad though. Often it's manageable, and I almost forget I have neck pain. Then occasionally it flares up, leaving me frustrated and stressed out when it does. It's exhausting when you're just trying to enjoy something like reading a book, but then your neck begins aching. Or if you have something to do at work, and it becomes difficult to focus.

But I digress, here's that old poem :)

Homunculi, resting inside my chest, Pressing against the framework– Cooing out while I ache in pain. Little men, stirring from slumber, Stepping on my neck and sighing As they ponder their morning feed. I wonder where they came from, And maybe if they have a master– Or if I could somehow change them. But the homunculi are dancing, Their ignorance flaring up my spine While I’m a flower wilting away. Only finally pushing them out When I close my eyes and accept The warmth of the void inside A delicate blanket and pillow.

On Substack, I try to include some posts from the community I've enjoyed each week. Though, sometimes I fall behind. I'll be trying the same thing here, too.

1. Skin Deep by Rachael Raine Rivers.

A compelling and thought-provoking piece about love and beauty, and what it means to uncover it for oneself. I love the imagery that Rachael uses in this piece, and how it all flows.

2. 5:52 am by m anne avera.

An intriguing poem that is split into four parts, each taking us into a different chapter of one person's relationship with another. It feels famillial, but it can be interpreted in different ways. I loved how it feels like someone's life story kind of, all in four snapshots. Overall, just a beautiful reminder of the lives we touch, and the impacts we have on others— especially those who mean the most to us.

Thanks for reading all the way through! If you'd like to get caught up on more of my work, I recently posted another poem here, too. Anyway, if you'd like to support my writing further, please consider tipping me on Ko-fi! Sharing and commenting also helps me out, as well. Well, that was it for this piece, so I'll see you next time! <3