DPC POETRY: Island Girl

You are an island girl
born of salt and sun,
molded from rich earth.
The ocean sighs in each breath
you release upon the wind
and all the heat of an August sun
rages in your thighs.
Volcanic!
Your eyes command respect
and every word you exhale
is laden with the music of birds,
crickets and frogs crying out their passion
at clear starry skies.
You are paradise lost to the ages.
You are the treasure men seek
and the secret they keep.

You are the inebriating breath,
smooth molasses, the voluptuous
fruit of the earth,
and all the sounds of cannons
making thunder in past ages
or dark bodies singing in their cages
are your voice!
The rise and fall of tides at black shores
reflect the flush of blood
to your lips…
The hurricane and the gale
are your song…
Your lips will forever speak the old secrets
and your bosom will carry the weight of their pride.

You are an island girl
born of callaloo
and spice,
molded from the dreams of old nations.
You are destiny and adventure –
the curve of your hips beckons
like the horizon to Columbus.
You draw all things to yourself
and breathe life into clay with your hands.
You are a goddess, Island Girl,
with your playful smile
and nappy hair.
You are love, Island Girl,
with your dark skin
and heavy breath.
You are home, Island Girl!

With your bruised hands
and calloused feet
you will raise a nation, Island Girl,
and your blood will make them kin:
African and slave;
European knave and lord
and Carib child…
Your blood will make them kin
Your hands will wash them clean.

© Doran Joseph 2013

Copyright 2012 Dominica News Online, DURAVISION INC. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or distributed.

Disclaimer: The comments posted do not necessarily reflect the views of DominicaNewsOnline.com and its parent company or any individual staff member. All comments are posted subject to approval by DominicaNewsOnline.com. We never censor based on political or ideological points of view, but we do try to maintain a sensible balance between free speech and responsible moderating.

We will delete comments that:

  • contain any material which violates or infringes the rights of any person, are defamatory or harassing or are purely ad hominem attacks
  • a reasonable person would consider abusive or profane
  • contain material which violates or encourages others to violate any applicable law
  • promote prejudice or prejudicial hatred of any kind
  • refer to people arrested or charged with a crime as though they had been found guilty
  • contain links to "chain letters", pornographic or obscene movies or graphic images
  • are off-topic and/or excessively long

See our full comment/user policy/agreement.

10 Comments

  1. Tabitha durand
    February 6, 2014

    This is so true and heartfelt

  2. Owlie
    October 16, 2013

    I just love this piece. It is breathtaking.

  3. Fan
    October 13, 2013

    Wonderful piece full of soul and great depth also love the imagery :wink: keep it up

  4. Jenny James
    October 12, 2013

    Beaming with pride..Absolutely a wonderful reads..Thanks Doran!..

  5. Nel
    October 11, 2013

    This is what you call powerful and clean work!!! Nice to meet you Dorah looking forward for more!!

  6. alas
    October 11, 2013

    correction…piece

  7. alas
    October 11, 2013

    Deep and profound…..I love good poetry…I really connected with this peace…Good job Doran

  8. Zor
    October 11, 2013

    From one poet to another, this is one of the best pieces I’ve read so far. I love it! Keep it up!

    • October 11, 2013

      Thank you very much. I hope I get the opportunity to share more of my work.

  9. DCW
    October 11, 2013

    Beautiful! Simply beautiful and I am proud to be her child.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

:) :-D :wink: :( 8-O :lol: :-| :cry: 8) :-? :-P :-x :?: :oops: :twisted: :mrgreen: more »

 characters available