{"MY BLACK SKIN LINGERS INTO EVERYTHING"} E-1

It was June 21st, a hot day filled with the aroma of spring that felt like a wet day. People of bronze had assembled for Mother's funeral. A mid-fifties jasper came into view as I was looking about the chapel. Under my feet, his rugged, gold-chained cowboy boots thudded loudly on the wooden floor. He approached with a grin and said, “You’ve forgotten why you're here, have you?” I gazed upon him angrily and confused. “Was I born yesterday?” I said, walking abruptly past him.  I stopped and sat on the first row on the right side, where relatives are to be seated. It was lonely on this side; she had no family. You could say the left side was too generous; there sat friends and acquaintances. Of which I had never seen, those who were closer to Mother simply made themselves noticed. They sat in the front row. Just before the service started, Jasper mumbled, “I'm just playing about, so relax. I know you aren't no stranger sitting on this side.” I said, “I think you are confused about where you are to be seated; you are the only stranger I see here.” “I think it's quite comfortable on this side, wouldn't you say?” he asked, his laugh reverberating throughout the room. A tear rolled from my eyes down my cheek and onto the gold chains… “You have no business telling me what's comfortable; you don't belong here. There's always been enough space for two,” I remarked. “Now that a seat is available, darling, what is your name?” He pulled open his jacket and took out a white, ironed linen. I finished wiping my tears, “To start, it isn't darling... I am Ava. Mary's daughter” 

CG