The Old Tin Roof

The rain fell hard on the old tin roof

And sounded like pearls dropping on a glass table.

The sound was muffled and deep,

The air was heavy and damp, warming the room,

Through the window the sun's rays came in at an angle

Leaving warmth upon our feet.

As I lay on the bed, my eyes scanned the room,

How can that precious moment end so soon?

You lay by my side watching me,

A smile formed across your face as our eyes met,

No words were spoken but we both knew what happened to me

Certainly happened to you.

You weren't tender or slow,

The passion brought on an unexpected glow,

Your thighs entwined with mine,

Covered in sweat,

It was as though we had just met.

The rhythms of your moves made me feel the groove

The grip of your arms made me feel so safe,

The kiss of your lips on my cheek made me feel high,

The caresses of your fingers on my thighs- oh my,

Nothing, not even the rain on the old tin roof,

Could stop that moment when time stood still,

That time that revealed the moment of truth.

©MTD

SWAY

Sway, Sway, 

The movement the young girls made when going down the street, 

Their cloth tied around their waists could not hide the beauty of the movement and swaying of their hips,  and juggling of young breasts.

The shape of their bodies, the outline of their waist beads, 

Youthful as they came, young, immature and fresh. 

Sway, Sway.

Their chests heaved up and down in unison with their walking, with their laughter with their singing. 

Sweat glistened on their exposed skin giving them a glossy look. 

They were girls in their prime. 

Suddenly they stopped. 

A beautiful full-bodied woman came towards them.

She was very curvaceous; her breasts hung lower, her hips broader, 

Her stomach was much rounder, but there was something about her movement that was different. 

Her waist was thicker with ripples and mounds, 

Her arms fuller and her back firmer. 

She was a woman in her prime. 

Who could beat that? 

The girls look on as she passed by and said to themselves

 "One day we will be like her." 

The envy showed in their eyes as the proud woman went by, 

Balancing her goods on her head. 

She was the most sought after woman in the village, 

Widowed two years ago she had mourned deeply and now blossomed as the dark

 clothes were removed from her. 

She had confidence, knowledge, wisdom and the experience of love, 

pain and loss. 

She could weather all storms that came her way, 

But right now she just lived for herself and loved her family. 

When she walked by there was something erotic about her. 

That was the mystery about her that got the young girls staring, 

The young men anxious and the old men nodding their heads 

as the beautiful woman passed by

Swaying, Swaying.

©Mariska Araba Taylor-Darko 2008

The Wedding

The families sat in a circle

His to one side, hers to the other

This was the day she made a husband of my brother.

The elders sat in anticipation while our Father gave his speech

Our proud mother looked around her

While the young ones sat at her feet.

Words of wisdom came from around

The dowry was passed around

The groom sat twisting his hand

Worried, in case there would be a change of plan.

The elders nodded with approval

At the things set out on the table.

Bring her in they said

And we all turned our heads

To look at the girl who took my brothers love

The game to break the ice started,

She came in with her head and face covered

Her friend and sister behind her

Their faces covered too

Is this the one you want to wed

Pointing to the friend instead

No said my brother,

They pointed to her sister too

Is this the one you want to marry

No said my brother,

Pointing to the bride they said

Is this the one you what to wed

Yes my elders, my brother said.

He takes a step towards his queen

Lifts the veil and his face beams

The real bride is here, this is my wife to be

He pulls her close for all to see

We now accept your proposition,

Our families have made their investigations

Will you accept this man today?

She blushed and turned to them to say

It is my wish dear fathers of mine

To be the wife of this kind man.

Rings were exchanged

Libation poured

Gifts exchanged

And the crowd roared.

Dondoo dondoo dondoo

Aware so aware so aware so

They sat together with their parents

Not knowing what the future holds

Music played

People danced

This was the beginning of their trip

Into the unknown world

©Mariska Araba Taylor-Darko 2008

I Smile

I want to dedicate this poem to someone not here today……….

When I hear the crickets in the night, and see the twinkling of the stars,

When I feel the breeze on my cheeks and in my hair

I smile

The leaves rustle gently, the distant sound of a car going fast down the lane, the sudden quietness for a moment

Makes me smile

I hear the drumbeat far away

A group of dancers probably at play,

The tears filling the eyes quickly blinked away,

I smile

Your love is eternal,

It never faded away,

I still feel it in me

Every minute of the day.

I stare into the distance

See the mist on the hill darkened by shadows of trees,

Swaying in the gentle breeze

And I smile

Your touch kept me going

Your moves kept me in the groove

Your smell kept me intoxicated

That is why I still smile

©MTD