At 23 all the lovers have come and toured this city, tired.
There are no more holy temples to be worshipped.
Just remnants of a name I still speak, with a stutter.
I read a story once
about a girl who gathered her anger and her warmth, set herself on fire,
and never let out a cry.
I envy her strength and thirst after her freedom.
The most I have ever done for my body
is to drown her in the fury of people
who never stay long enough to learn her last name.
Tawiah Mensah, hailing from Ekumfi Narkwa in Ghana’s Central Region, is a graduate of the University of Ghana, where she studied French and Political Science. She is a content strategist and creative writer. Her writing centers on the complex relationship between family, friends, and the myriad challenges that women face in contemporary society. Through her poetry, she explores the intricacies of being a young African woman, grappling with acceptance and the journey of self-discovery. She is the author of the poetry chapbook Litany on Loss (African Poetry Book Fund, 2023). Her works have also been featured in prestigious publications, including Tampered Press, WildPine, CanonPodcast, CGWS and others. Empowered by her own journey, Tawiah Mensah stands as a compelling voice, uplifting women, advocating for their growth, self-acceptance, and self-love.