Le Kompa

by Eulie

I lay in bed and look out the window. 

I see clouds forming on nature’s canvas

And painting the sky with shades of grey.

I don’t need my radio to drown out the everyday

Chaos of my surroundings.

The approaching storm gives my batteries

A much needed breather.

I close my eyes and am transported

To a Caribbean concert hall.

Thunder pulsates through the walls

Like beating drums.

The wind is the guida,

The rain a tambora,

And the lightening clashing cymbals.

The storm is the Maestro and

Together they play Kompa (Haitian Music).

I listen to the music.

It reminds me of my life

Before it was stained like

This barred and soiled window -

A window that has witnessed

Tears of regret for all the misprints

Of my life.

The storm fades. The song ends.

I wish to open the window

And smell the wet earth,

But it won’t budge.

It imprisons me.

One day, I will not have to look

Through this barricade.

I will be set free

To try again and

Go back to life after the storm.