Love Poem: Room C13
Joy Wellington Avatar
Written by: Joy Wellington

Room C13

I raced through my chores, braided my hair in cornrows
Meticulously washed my body, daub the back of my ears
The insides of my elbow, and my wrist, with my then cheap perfume
There my pulse beat, no longer fluttering like a butterfly
But racing away at 5 horsepower speed

I put on my favorite dress, navy blue with tiny white polka dots
Red buttons going down from the neck to the hem
Flowing skirt falling from a cinched waist to mid calf 
Finally I slide my feet into cream patient clogs 
Adorned with red petals on the sides

“Mom I’ll be back soon”.  I said
“OK dear, walk safe and don’t stay out late”.  She said 
Through the door I dashed and across Pancho’s open lot
Anticipation taking control of my pounding heart
Each step I took carried me one step closer
But in fact, felt like I wasn’t going fast enough

I hurried along the Spanish Town to Kingston main road
Going west to Jamaica School of Agriculture 
Where in its core lies building C room #13
Within room C13, awaits, like the earth void of rain
My man, my lover, my friend

I entered the portals of JSA, the guards smiled with me
Knowingly!  They knew me enough by this
Not to enquire of my reason for entering
I climbed the hills, though smooth the road
Entered campus grounds, hardly a breath could catch

With racing heart and panting breath, I entered building C
Up the stairs I swept like a queen entering her throne room
Tap, tap, tap, on the door of #13, the door swings open
There standing before me, a magnificent specimen of humanity
My lover

Tall as the pine tree, dark as mahogany, and oh, so handsome!
He took my hand, and I entered his web
Kisses me as if I was his oasis, his fountain of cool clear water,
To quench his dry and thirsty being

I felt sweet drowning, like a moth to the flame being pulled
Sweet whispers, heart-stopping kisses, frantic hands
And, and, and……
Never forgotten memories of you, sweet, dearest David