The Innovative féi hernandez
A Prose Poem: "Singing Funeral"
Originally from Chihuahua, Mexico, they now reside in Los Angeles, where they continue to develop their multifaceted artistic practice. Identifying as a trans woman/femme, hernandez uses their art to navigate and articulate their experiences and those of marginalized communities.
hernandez's prose poetry approach allows them to break free from traditional poetic patterns, resulting in a flowing narrative that reads like a story while still preserving poetic components.
The poem's effectiveness is anchored in its opening declaration: "I've avoided opening my throat in fear the dead would rise, walk out of me, leave me emptier after their fleeting, and still get deported back into the abyss they climbed from." This singular sentence interlaces a series of actions and consequences, encapsulating the speaker's fears and lived experiences. The phrases "opening my throat" and "the dead would rise, walk out of me" conjure a visceral sense of release and exorcism, intensifying the emotional resonance of the narrative.
The use of contrasts and repetition heightens the poem's effect, making it a compelling examination of loss and perseverance. "Songs will remain unsung" and "not even lullabies can squeeze out" underscore the theme of silenced voices and unexpressed grief.
In hernandez’s explanation of this poem, they state, “What do we do with systemic violence that thrusts young, hood Black and Brown boys to suicide? We sing it, one generation after another, until the world hears us.”
hernandez's poetry often addresses themes of displacement, identity, and the intersectionality of race, gender, and sexuality. Their unique style and voice are worthy of acclaim, and their work is a meaningful addition to poetry and visual art. Learn more about féi hernandez.
