December 14, 2022
ATLAS
Jordan Wilson
to the man who held up the world,
shame that he who shrugged, he did so against
the world; burdened by his own pride.
who gave you the world?
that weighs on knees
that crack with each step,
but do not break,
for fear of upsetting the balance
Atlas,
you are the world,
my world
your arms
your hips
your stomach like a strongman
your neck
your head
let me give the world to you
throw it
smash it
let it fall
let it break
you’ll feel the weight
break your shoulder
and be free
Atlas,
shrug and do not tremble
you choose the wrong side
and it costs you everything
was this even your burden to bear?
Jordan Wilson (pronouns: they/them/theirs) is a 24-year-old multidiscipline artist with a focus on writing (screen, play, and poetry) and painting (acrylic and multimedia). Jordan is Afro-Latinx, non-binary, queer, trans, and chronically-ill/disabled. These identities do not exist in isolation nor are they inherently radical, rather they form their experience of the world. They are passionate about art and theater that is accessible, engaging, and empowers marginalized folks like themselves. Because of how their identities intersect with different communities, discussions within them inform the work they do, whether it be physical art, writing, directing, or public speaking.