NOT TO HAVE

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Written By Javanna Cumberbatch
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A warm embrace

Submission so low

That my place is now identified

And so is his

A pride is to be born

A nation to be built

A noble lion as the head

And a graceful lioness

A gentle foundation

A legacy is to be left.

A better half, a lesser link,

A gentle string on a harp

Whose music calms the beast within

And wards off evil spirits

She is made equal

Head nested underneath a warm place

Head to neck, chin to head

Caress

 

He asks is this love

Head once placed on the chest of his mother

He hears it beating again

A lost connection

Wondered and travelled

To a heart made separate.

Pray with me

 

So that this rock does not crumble

Let our faith be our mantle

Get down on your knees

This structure is necessary

Protect, respect, cherish, uphold

Let our waters rush as it fills our cups

No, your words are recycled.

 

Laces tied on a shoe

Is that your noose?

My eyes dart watching you

Am I your prey?

I won’t allow it

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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