Prose Poetry: “Riding The Emotional Waves of Showing up, Being Seen, & Sharing Your Story”

Was it excitement or anxiety that surged through me as I approached the gallery? Perhaps there’s no clean line between the two — just one trembling current, a pulse of anticipation embedded with fear. The moment I walked in, I was greeted: “Congratulations, Keisha. Let’s take pictures!” Their words amplified my emotions, but I managed a smile for the camera and replied, “Thank you.” I took a steadying breath, letting the art on display ground me as I sought peace and inspiration. Until my gaze found it. Speechless, I stared—my heart pounding, my thoughts swirling in a whirlpool.

“Is this your piece?” they asked. As a small crowd gathered. I snapped out of it, forcing myself to anchor down from the clouds so I could smile and say, “Yes.” I felt like I was swimming in a river of pride tangled with unease. Could they sense it? “It’s beautiful; I love it. What’s your process?” they asked. My process? How do you name a storm? Still, I told them the story: of identity, death to an ego, and reincarnating as an act of self-love. How vulnerable of me.

I stumbled through each exchange,  both present and adrift. There was beauty in the disorientation — the art of Kintsugi, mending the fragmented mirrors of the creative counterparts I faced. The waves did not settle once I left. The highs crashing into lows as I tried to catch my balance on the surfboard.

“Wow, Keisha— you did it! I’m proud of you.” The affirmation is on loop in my head.  

Someone remarked, “It looks like you’re at the start of a new series.” There’s a rare bliss in risk— coming out of your safe cocoon. Yes, the experience may be uncomfortable—whoever said metamorphosis was easy? Pimpin’ butterflies means un-romanticizing your own potential and embracing your truth without self-aggrandizement. The role of the artist is to live honestly, to create as an act of liberation. To transform until the art and the self are no longer separate — just one cycle of becoming.

Thank you to the creative team behind “Nevertheless, She Persisted”, C-Art Gallery, and the Springfield Daily Citizen for the opportunity to share my art and my story with you. You can read my interview with the Springfield Daily Citizen here.

“Nevertheless, She Persisted” is on view at C-Art Gallery October 11 - December 2025