Who am I?
It has taken me years to know that I am a queer black feminist who loves the water; whether it be the ocean, a waterfall, a lake, or a river, the form doesn't matter.
Letters from an Island: Part I
As an island
I am reformed
in any image
outside my own…
A Triptych on My Queerness
Even after all these years
I still scared to say these words in public,
still caustous
to let Gay spilt my teeth open
NESTED
My gratitude for your kindness was never expressed
For I was too young to be grateful
Too young to care, understand, or appreciate
You blessed three little girls of color
And valued their mother, a loyal worker for years
Freedom
Basic freedom was denied
And daily I cried.
Labeled as the “weaker sex”
Taunted mercilessly. My soul grew vex.
Wretched. Worthless
An imbecile. Senseless.
Generation Cry
Taitu Kai Goodwin. Taitu. Daughter of the Soil. Antigua Girls’ High School Alumna. Former Ambassador’s daughter. Miss Anguilla. Someone I knew. Taitu.
Thriving
i flourish
like bougainvillea
that rustles in the breeze
outside my window
pink + plentiful
I Was Eight Years Old
I couldn’t tell her what I had suffered. It was a guarded secret for me.
A SONG BY THE BEACH
The ocean quivers
Its heart is warm now
Its aim is as swift, and precise as a tall bird
NOT TO HAVE
A nation to be built
A noble lion as the head
And a graceful lioness
THISTLE
Your nose need not be pinched
For you were made with straight lines
Your beauty is standard
LAUREL WREATHS
As for the little women, their time was up
This day was for the next generation to keep
And lock it away within their memories
DRESSES IN THE CLOSET
I never thought I’d use you
Waiting intentions not placed on you
Your beauty is now utilized
PEARLS TO REMEMBER
Remember, you reap what you sew
You shall be given vineyards you did not plant,
Houses you did not build
VELVETS IN THE FIELD
What they call self-care today
It is we who showed you the way
Today I am six years from 30
da bishop daughta in foreign
marrit to woman wit no babies?
Hot Oil
It was while she was frying plantains one day that she had a thought. She recalled how her mother used to tell her that to get the best results, the oil had to be very hot. “That’s it!” she exclaimed.
Alice
When mi tell yuh seh mi hate Alice, mi mean mi hate har lackka piezen. Yuh wouldda neba believe seh me an’ she a sista.