I write because he told us stories
I write to capture the boy he was, without dreams, who worked like a man from age 12
I write because, at 17, he travelled to make his fortune cutting cane and making enough money
to buy an American, Chrome bike
I write for the young man who left his mother’s yard with a valise and pocket full of ideas for streets paved with gold and a five year plan shared amongst friends
I write because it allows me to tell him that I love him from a safe distance
Words bound between pages like the ones he sent his mother in blue air mail envelopes
I write so that he knows that I can see him, that his life matters and his stories are the foundation
On which, I, the writer stand
I write because this is how we love
•••
Born in London of Antiguan parents, to a father who is a born story teller, Brenda Lee Browne always wanted to be a writer. She says, “My heritage informs my writing voice and my continuous quest to answer the questions of where do I come from?” Her work has appeared in anthologies in the UK, USA, Canada and the Caribbean; and she was long listed for the Hollick Arvon Prize in 2013 and an East Midlands Arts recipient in 2000.
Althea Romeo-Mark
Beautifully stated. Felt the love reading it because many of us share a similar experience.
HaMa
This heartfelt piece feels like the love language of the Caribbean. Thank you for sharing.
A & B Writings in Journals and Contests | Wadadli Pen
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