I stared into the lights of the 70s globe spinning to tunes no longer considered cool but classic.

The image of velour, paisley wallpaper and Afro art with puffy dos and picks with fists adorned the house, art

It was like yesterday that I crawled around on all fours trying to feel the beat of the eight track

Snacks, cracker jacks, pork skins, nowlataz, pickled pigs feet, and cucumbers swimming in vinegar---we called it a salad.

“Beads and braid shells and things,”
Spike Lee couldn't have scripted my life any better as I was the queen of cornrows and long ponytails ready to bounce in a summer wind. I was going to be Diana Ross when I grew up.

Haines Point, crabs from the wharf, Al green playing while Uncle Ace flipped burgers from Murray's and Little Hugs drinks were our Ocean Spray.

Frozen cups of Kool-Aid from the Freezy Lady, bomb pops, and Push Up juice smeared against my cheeks

I bragged that my tongue was long enough to get it off…and it was. I was the neighborhood show off for that moment.

Popcorn Love, Candy Girl, Doctor Scholl's without foot ailments, they were cute, and I finally got a pair when Mama could afford it.

Click Clogging along the court and hoping Crazy George, a woman, wouldn't catch me as I carelessly popped lemon heads and Alexander Grape candies in my mouth
She was nuts. Legend says she kidnaps kids and hurt them real bad
Quanda and 'nem ain't with me, so I have to quicken my pace and with knocked-knees and pigeoned toes realized that I tripped on a crack, hoping not to break my mama's back but only scuff the side of my sandals

Junior high, top fades, acid wash, crimps and School Daze.
Confused about my position among my peers but looked good trying.

Still a nerd but desired for some strange reason…Maybe it was the stretch jeans or the biker shorts I wore on the class trip. My booty was the moon. Someone noticed enough to ride the train with me after school from one end to the other. It was my alibi but now I say bye, bye 'cause he's gay too. I just can't win. Is something wrong with me?

Got my first kiss without knowing it would happen under an umbrella while waiting for public trans, dental work was straight.
I pretend to be in a movie when I close my eyes and lock lips.
He said I taste like strawberries and from that moment, the kiss of love and death was created. Thanks, lover, for showing me the ropes. And he's still as straight as ever.

High school, broke the heart of one who met me before classes started. He's gay either. In fact, he told me I taught him some things. Making progress.

Older men attracted me, one some three years ahead…oooh! A College boy.
Fell in love with another inner city boy who knew about sunflower seeds and New Edition

My boo…my first proposal on the escalators of the subway.
Naivety said yes to the silver, ruby ring placed on my finger…I was in love.
Senior year, my first love, my first heartbreak, my first…resurfaces and the deal with Mr. Inner City is broken after he has a fit on the avenue. Bye Bye “Fiance” I'm in love. For real this time.

Prom. Graduation. The night before my departure for college, he made me a bubble bath and cooked dinner. We made love for the first time.