Queer Shrines of Magic
A Poem by Sergiy Pustogarov
they drew a line across my chest
cut out my nipple size
then unzipped my pants
and reached that long slender hand
underneath the waist band
they tried to guess
how the alchemy of hormones
flushed through this skin
and reacted to their cold hands
forcing me to be one condition
you said the magic of being was outlawed
and that this shrine of my existence
was no longer needed in the holy land
i had overstayed my welcome
and was now to be escorted away
i must be placed in a box made by hands
because nature’s art was therefore banned
this queer existence must be deported
away from here and back down
to a river of murky shame
but give me blade or give me the flame
drown this holy vessel deep within its stays
tell the supposed demon to leave its course
and yet i slit the ropes around my wrists
yell out my voice like it was never shunned
i remind the soul that being here
is being in awe of nature
existence is never based
upon the banished soul of another
this shrine is still yet holy magic
Sergiy Pustogarov (they/them) is a nonbinary poet and medical student who weaves together the worlds of art and science with a compassionate touch. Their poetry explores themes of identity, healing, and the intricate beauty of human experience, drawing inspiration from their medical studies and personal journey. A passionate advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ visibility, Sergiy uses their writing to amplify underrepresented voices and foster connection. Sergiy dreams of a future where art and medicine intersect to heal both the body and the soul, and bring peace to a hurting world.
