World Poetry Day: Song for Almeyda and Song for Anninho by Gayl Jones

Dear readers, this World Poetry Day we are treating you to an extract from Song for Anninho – one of the two epic poems that make up Song for Almeyda and Song for Anninho by Gayl Jones.

Song for Anninho

Gayl Jones

When the Portuguese attack Palmares, Brazil’s last fugitive slave enclave, Almeyda and her husband are separated as they flee from the destruction. Two powerful poems give voice to the lovers – this is taken from Anninho’s song as he searches for his wife. Their story is one of longing – for each other, for freedom, and for revolution.

Almedya, who knows the stars

                    By their first

                    Names.

The birds must think that

                    She’s the

                    Moon.

She’s the color of the dark

                   Golden yam.

The birds must think that

                   She’s the

                   Moon.

She’s a labyrinth of kisses.

Almeyda, with prominent

                  Cheekbones, her

Eyes are antimony. See how

she’s shining.

The most ancient birds must

                  Think that

                  She’s the moon.

She’s a labyrinth of kisses.

Should not some women see

                  Themselves in a

                  kiss

Like it was a shield?

Almeyda,

This is a New World song, I am

Painting my woman

                  Golden, see

how she’s shining.

She’s the color of the dark,

                  Golden yam. Her

Eyes are antimony, warrior and

Lover, Almeyda, Tell me who’s

your love?

You are, Anninho. But here’s

                 Your spear and

                 Shield.

Here is your spear and

                 Shield?

Eyes of almond,

And the ecstasy of the moon.