reMembering Mulatta
Christy Sampson-Kelly
Apprentice House
Loyola University Maryland
Baltimore, Maryland
Copyright © 2013 by Christy Sampson-Kelly
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission from the publisher (except by reviewers who may quote brief passages).
First Edition
Printed in the United States of America
ISBN: 978-1-934074-20-6
Ebook ISBN: 978-1-934074-23-7
Design by: Chloe Germain
Cover art by: Genevieve Sampson, fiberart
Published by Apprentice House
Apprentice House
Loyola University Maryland
4501 N. Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21210
410.617.5265 • 410.617.2198 (fax)
www.ApprenticeHouse.com
Dedication
This is dedicated to my rebelliously reasonable parents for going against the script and obliterating, for me, this notion of choosing. Through their gracious allowance of my existence and growth within my in-between-ness, I continually become without diminishing any one of my-selves.
Section 1: Once Bound
Manuscript
In ever changing conversation
collectively
we delve into present realities,
new awareness exposed.
In repetition,
boredom erased,
more awe
more wonder
more dis-covered.
The weightless thread
that attaches my-self
to original understanding
still welcome.
Its litheness
compels past re-turns
fresh with possibility,
unwritten the time before.
I Hope not to be Forgotten
Where do I fit
in this mended world
stitched together by my people?
This world
of beautiful mahogany
so smooth and rich
one could get lost
in the feel of it.
This world
of dark knowing eyes
with knowledge so deep
that diving in
merely allows one
to tread at its surface.
This world
of thick, dense kinks
cropped short
revealing intricacy,
strength of character.
Where do I fit
with my buttery complexion
and devilish eyes,
with my overabundance
of sandy colored curls?
This I ask
in full support
of the reclaiming,
as mere reminder
that I exist.
Knowing
The twist of thinking’s experience
begins belief’s meander
for transcendent conceivers,
inescapably great thinkers.
While sauntering in gracious anticipation
of the welcoming,
understanding’s verdant reach
acceptance’s embrace.
Pondering how unmistakably heart-wrenching
it is to know.
The Exchange of a Whisper
somehow
it is different
although i can’t be sure
my moves
definitely more intended
carefully constructed
to reveal only my true self
entering
it is unadulterated black
the moonless night
of a veiled village
troubled
i step in neither direction
for fear of losing
gently
a cool breeze
carrying your voice
tantalizes
