Synkroniciti is thrilled to welcome back poet Mykki Rios of Chicago with two poems. The first is “7 DAYS TO THE 2024 ELECTION,” exploring the uncertainty of the time before Trump was re-elected President of the United States and the fear that many people, especially queer and trans people had then, and continue to have, in the face of policy that restricts their rights and access to resources. It is a struggle to not conform in advance and it requires not only willpower, but holding space for joy and wonder. “I am tired, but dancing/ because if I stop moving it’s all over// The unrest is in my bones,/ a colossal beast trying not to go extinct//.” Mykki shows us that the secret to not being overwhelmed is enjoying small ordinary things–dancing, baking cookies. Vulnerability is coupled with resistance as they encourage us to pursue joy.
“BATH RITES” tells of a moment of rest in the midst of medical worry: “Today there is blood where it shouldn’t be/ Tomorrow promises tests, panels, prodding and/ uncertainty.” Learning how to hold on to good memories and trying not to expect the worst is the strategy here. “For right now though, I can wrap myself/ in yesterday’s embrace and perfume of fruit rind/ Make believe I’m fine because/ nothing has decided I won’t be.” Their ability to be hopeful and happy in the face of pain is inspirational. Everyday imagery becomes sacred and beautiful.
Read Mykki’s deeply genuine poetry in Synkroniciti’s “Recovery” issue, available for purchase here: https://synkroniciti.com/the-magazine/purchase-individual-issues/.
Mykki Rios is a queer genderfluid Mexican-American poet, performer and multimedia artist. Raised in Chicago, and having lived many places across the globe, they recently returned home to the Windy City. Mykki has had works featured in issues of Welter, Meat For Tea: The Valley Review, Random Sample Review, Smoke and Mold Journal, The Normal School, Apparition Literature, Fourth River Journal, BRAWL Lit, Synkroniciti Magazine, Passionfruit Review, Anti-Heroin Chic, and more. They were also a finalist in Lupercalia Press’ 2022 Chapbook Series Contest.