A Piece of My Mind
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Self-esteem You see this pride I wear like a uniform, polished like a medal, buffed and shined for curious eyes to be confused about? Let there be no dispute about why my attitude is so constant and my mouth poised and on the ready to set you straight. My burden ain’t heavy but it’s relentless, it ain’t pretty but it’s mine, it can’t overpower me but it tries. Look how they wonder what it is that makes me walk so tall, stand so straight, laugh so loud, stand out like an enigma while mixing with the crowd. It’s subconscious. This self-respect thing ain’t nothing that you have to put on like a robe, you just wear it elegantly ‘cause it’s yours and it fits you well, goes perfectly with your complexion and your nature, makes you feel good as hell, even on those days when things can’t get much worse Life won’t get any sweeter, won’t surpass the high you experience daily if you are already on your own side, if you can find reasons to smile because the grass is green even if it’s on the other side. Why serve up ammunition to those who oppose you already? Beat you down with curious stares and half-ass salutations that ain’t even genuine, encouraging you to depress yourself with the notion that life ain’t fair! ME, I live like the oyster is in MY shell and the world is mine because, whether it’s true to you or not, that’s exactly what makes me so damn happy and that’s precisely what I believe! .............................................................................. Invisible So now she may not be as beautiful as you’d thought before, now that you have had the time to fill your gut, of pleasures freely given. Maybe she’s worth it still, but, really, maybe not! It doesn’t matter now. Her juices have already sweetened your endless nights and steamy days with unbridled, undiluted passion. Your food has always been prepared, left steaming hot upon the table, awaiting your royal presence. Your children have all been nursed and weaned, clothed and fed and you have been given heart and soul and even head! There has always been a warm and succulent, eagerly awaiting promise spread-eagled in aroused anticipation on your bed. All that was then… Time sure changes things, just like they say, and gifts depreciate in value when they are too freely given away. Your eyes have grown accustomed to her brilliance, effortlessly overlook her flawless skin, her willingness to please, and the passion which she stores. She is simply just not beautiful anymore.
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About the Book
Jacinth Henry-Martin delivers a compelling series of poems in “A Piece of My Mind”. Composed with great zest and conviction, the book is a literary tribute to all who have succeeded in discarding physical , mental and emotional shackles to metaphorically dance and celebrate life in the face of all its challenges. The poems are liberating and vindicating, and paint pictures with words about all aspects of life.
About the Author
Jacinth Henry-Martin is an artist at heart who gives expression to her love for traditional sayings and customs through spoken word and performance poetry. Her commentaries in verse testify to the indomitable spirit of women, and are often a platform for confronting serous issues through the prism of humour. She represented her country through her writings at the Sixth and Seventh Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA VI and VII), and has penned lyrics and produced artistic performances for winning contestants throughout the Caribbean. In 2011, she was appointed Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to the USA and Permanent Representative to the OAS, and in 2013 became her country’s first Ambassador to Mexico. She is a former elected parliamentarian and Minister of Culture, Youth, Sports & Information.