These poems are published connected to a project supported by the DC Mayor’s Office of Community Affairs. Elena Okon was a participant in the February 2026 Mid-Atlantic Review/Howard University retreat supported by the grant.
Glitters in the Diaspora
My head hurts from the weight of the shimmer
my head hurts from the weight of success
that I lead with my head
because ever since my birth
the weight of hopes and dreams
and prayers
beyond my means
have covered me.
When I was younger
I told my mom I wanted to play
With glitter
Like the other kids played
With glitter.
My mom said I already glow
but I want that child like flow
that moves like water
just like that of a jester.
I want to be painted in colors of innocence and fun
just like a priests daughter
but we have pastors
masters of the tongues
anointers of the word
not as glamorous as those with flow
more immense and overtaking.
As they relish in hymns,
We sing of our reality in hopes
They are blessings in the making.
My mom said the difference
is our glitter sticks
Theirs can melt away with a wash
While our glitter just resists.
She said
those who play too much
get the worst of the shame
and that glitter you once admired
will never feel the same.
My back
my arms
my legs
and my feet
hurt.
Hurt from the weight
of carrying generations
and generations
of glitter
that is not only played with
by my people,
but all people.
Now I’m older
and I can see the glitter
on my screen
telling stories of us
by us
for us.
Listening to colors of
innocence and fun.
My mom says we can’t shine
like the others do
but maybe, just maybe
that’s a good thing.
My body hurts
from the weight of success
we have lead
with our hearts and perseverance
ever since our conception from
the continent
to the islands
to the americas.
My head hurts from the
weight of the shimmer
but as my mother says
all that glows
also glitters.
The Strongest Flower
Dedicated to my friend, Allie
There are times when a flower grows best
when the conditions are just right
when the leaves and buds thrive
and proudly stand the test
of time.
I know a flower.
I met this flower when it was still
budding.
Its leaves were long and luscious
yet the flower was still yet to bloom.
Nevertheless,
I approached
quickly—
loudly
because I knew I wanted to be there
to see it grow.
And even through all the heavy rain
the perilous droughts
and the times the leaves would brown
no matter what magic I tried
the flower was still standing.
Brown spots are not the end
and this flower taught me that.
A seed with roots,
and then a sprout,
and next a bud
with fleeting doubts;
and now with age, that tirelessly pursues,
I’ve finally seen that flower bloom.
And it’s safe to say the fruit is next
And along this journey I have no regrets.
May the fruits of trials and tribulations
be abundant,
because I know how hard
it worked to be here.
You are the strongest flower I know.
Elena Okon, also known as The Dreamer, is a freshman from Upstate, NY at Howard University pursuing her degree in English with Creative Writing Concentration. Elena mixes her love for the whimsy of the world and her wild imagination to tackle serious and important topics in her poetry. She would like to thank her family and friends in NY and at Howard for always supporting her, and special thanks to her brother Ethan for always playing pretend with her.
Featured image Smihael, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
