I am trained as a poet. Poetry is my first love and what has grounded all my work as a social justice servant, teacher and performance artist. It holds me when there is no net. I have taught poetry for 20 years to young people and adults. Its sacred work to be the guide for poetry to be created. As the Nap Bishop, I am also a guide. At our Collective Napping Experiences community members come together to nap in a safe, shared space as they harness the creative power that happens when you nap. I feel humbled and honored to be trusted with curating a nap space for others. I have seen people sleep for 3 hours or just 30 minutes, and as they awaken they are so grateful for the experience. They look different and an energy of imagination and calmness fills the room. It is spirit work to rest. It is spirit work to nap together. The Nap Ministry was created to examine the vision space that is available to us and to resist a society that tells us to grind more. Thank you for exploring this work with me. More poetry coming. More Collective Napping Experiences, retreats and of more daily napping.

Spirit Work

I have seen witches working

Poured holy oil on doorknobs

Into shoes

To keep the wanderers

From wandering

Witches know what’s best

Brown long fingers quietly stirring prayers

Bodies propelled forward

Walk around the entire house 7 times

While speaking in tongues

A gold framed photo shook off wall

From the cries

Spiritual warfare under these feet

Shiny knees no longer a prison

My mouth the battleground

I lay before the altar

Not afraid of my own voice

Anymore

-Tricia Hersey