Back Where I Never Been

By Jazmine Lampley

When I think of home—my true home—I think of savannahs and barren deserts,
ruined pyramids and lush jungles,
Statues of great kings and queens of the past,
majestic cats and grand elephants,
flowing rivers and golden coasts,
mines of diamonds and glittering gems.

But more importantly,
I think of the people of various shades--
from alabaster to obsidian,
speaking hundreds of languages, I never knew existed,
hair growing toward the sun,
coiled, curled and strong,
dressed vibrant reds and rich earth tones,
clothed in dancing patterns,
swaying and stepping in rhythms my limbs innately possess.

Though my house sits on land,
my home resides in
my bones,
my blood,
my skin--
rich with melanin.

Jazmine Lampley

Jazmine is a wife, mother, sister, and adjunct professor from Florissant, Missouri. An avid lover of words, storytelling, and grammar, Jazmine writes to unlock the mysteries of her heart and soul and to explore the happenings in the world.

You can connect with Jazmine on Instagram at @theutteringsofjazmine.