DRESSES IN THE CLOSET

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Written By Javanna Cumberbatch
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It is on this ground that I plant my silver buckled shoes

The ones with tan stitches on the side

An I.O.U given to my eldest sister

 

Breathable olive green fabric

Laced with white roses that overlooked it

A little shorter than what I was used to

A few inches above the knee

But acceptable unto thee

I remember you saying ‘Come as you are’

 

My hair was not wild, but free

Black and soft, well taken care of

Banded with a twist pinned to the side

I smelt of fresh sea salt mango

 

The wind caught me off guard a few times

Leaving my hem blowing like lost paper

I never thought I’d use you

Waiting intentions not placed on you

Your beauty is now utilized

 

Dark blue material

Hibiscus flowers splayed across

Resembling the feathers of a flamingo

A long neck getting lighter in hue as it reaches its yellow painted beak

Soon you shall be used along with the rest

Javanna Cumberbatch

(She/her) Javanna Cumberbatch is a product of a baby blue pillowcase stuffed with cotton. Lovingly. she was sheltered as a child, rather protected so that her morals, the things instilled from TBN and PBS Kids to name a few, remained intact. She was cradled with the soft still voice of her mother, and serenaded by songs sung. From her own lips at times.

The moments that she was let loose, was somewhere safe. The second home of her mother’s mother. An island ‘2 miles long by half mile wide.’ ‘Each square inch filled with pride.’ Whose waters ‘sparkle like a jewel in the sun’ to this day. Line fishing with a friend near the dock. Times cherished and long gone, but never forgotten.

She went to her first Junkanoo at the age of 21, but she was not unfamiliar with the sounds of cowbells, and the families that went for battle on Bay Street. ‘Gimme My Culture.’ The land of my home always giving. Sapodillas and mango trees everywhere you turned. A garden truly. Separated islands and cays, but under one name we pledge our allegiance. A real place. Protected and covered by grace. In its natural state it shall remain. The Bahamas.

Javanna is a student now at The University of The Bahamas. Afforded the opportunity to attend. Amongst other things she is a woman of few words spoken, but a young lady of many words written.

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