Her large eyes in a crystal glaze,
Were transfixed to her thoughts.
She rocked to and fro in rhythmic movements.
I watched in the distance.
She grinned to herself.
White pearls shone around her face of chestnut skin.
I knew she was reminiscing in time.
Dressed in a fine uniform,
A solider of her own success
All eyes were impressed by her performance
Beating her drum with all her best.

Then, her smile fell off the cliff of her mind
And shook her head in apprehension.
I cautiously sat beside her.
"Did I mention?" She spoke slowly,
"Me an’ mi drum ruled di world."

She opened her bag and offered me food.
Homemade coco bread, she announced.
There’s nuttun I can’t do wid mi han.’
I could a bake for di worl’ but dem nuh understan’.
At least it stops di noise inna mi head.
She said.
"Go ahead my daughter eat your fill.
Then perhaps you can keep your backside still."

© Marcia Calame, 2005 (all rights reserved)