Behind the Poem: Like Flies to Suga Water
Orange September comes out tomorrow and I’m so excited! Paperback and Kindle, ya’ll! I’m still thinking about making Spotify playlist to partner up with the collection. Hmm. I’ll see.
Like Flies to Suga Water
When love takes hold of our hearts, it has a way of igniting our creativity. It was during those early months of dating that I found myself captivated, infatuated, and undeniably enchanted. When you’re a few months into dating someone, ya’ nose be wide open. You know what I’m talking about. Just head over heels, infatuated and wondering what kind of cat ya’ll finna have (okay, maybe the future cat thing is just me). I wrote Like Flies to Suga Water when I was in that stage. Technically, I still am—just a lot deeper...and sometimes my spouse will catch me looking at them like:
Anyway, during that time, I was thinking about them and dreaming about them, ready to risk it all. But...something was different. Love has a way of making us feel like we're floating on cloud nine, and in my case, it was no different. During this enchanting phase, when my heart was wide open and my emotions ran wild, I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming urge to express myself through poetry (No surprise there). The words flowed effortlessly, as if my heart itself had taken up the pen, and my muse became the subject of my affection—the person I was lucky enough to call my spouse.
I originally scribbled the first few lines on a starbucks napkin because my phone was charging. I wrote the rest of the first draft on my phone and then revised it over the years. I remember feeling warm, at ease and looking forward to seeing them again. Sharing my creation with my spouse was an exhilarating experience. Their response was nothing short of awe-inspiring—my partner, a dope ass poet in their own right, connected with the essence of the poem. It was a beautiful affirmation of our shared bond.
Here’s an excerpt:
“Your essence feels like first kisses, midnight munchies,
evening breezes through country windows.
I’ve told you secrets I’ve only whispered in pillows.
I’d be content just being a minnow in your waters,
A fly on the wall in the rooms of your heart.
One night, I think the underside of my thoughts hummed your name and my frequencies were raised.
I think, when you’re around, my ruminations behave.
I gave you pieces of my run-ons by the water.
You called it laughter and stories.
I mentioned wounds I’ve only shown counselors,
peeled my shell, let you read lines
I’d never verbalize.
”
A toast to love, poetry, and the magic that unfolds when the two intertwine. May our hearts always beat to the rhythm of our shared symphony, forever entwined in words, flow and cats (nah, I’m playin’... maybe not)
Orange September will be available for purchase at midnight!
