Our
real woman this month is Yolanda Marshall, an author, poet and all around beautiful woman. Yolanda has such a vivid way in which she tells her stories that draws the reader in, her stories are filled with humor, real life situations and the joys of her childhood. Most of her stories are based on reflections of growing up in Guyana. You can pick up Yolanda’s first book
Obayifo at any Chapters book store. Yolanda is currently working on her second book of short stories and poems entitled Brown Water Baby. You can follow Yolanda’s blog
here.
Thank you Yolanda for taking the time to be our guest blogger.
Gina
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Pliable to Perfection
I went searching for perfection
Believing I am capable of being that perfect person
Plausible was my approach to mold a personality
This warm blooded form into ‘pliable me’
Complaisant presentations
A prosaic simulation
Pausing to inhale the aroma of my pride
Patiently, behind shadows I hide
Just to prance suddenly
Proudly displaying the new décor of me
Mental punishment through superficial modifications
Pointlessly, I tried to alter my mutation
Forgetting I am a pure-blooded human
With life so unpredictable,
It leaves no room for perfection.
Written by Yolanda T. Marshall |
This short piece is one of my favorites. On those days when I feel I should look like a “Super Model”, I remind myself that I am Yolanda T. Marshall – a natural, beautiful woman who cannot be perfected with air brushing or cosmetic procedures etc.
This poem is saying, ” I tried to alter my looks for the false idea of perfection but realized that I am not easily influenced or easily shaped by superficial modifications”. We are all humans and nowhere on my birth certificate did I sign a contract with society to be “perfect at all times”. Sometimes, us women need to remind ourselves that we all cannot look like we stepped out of a magazine. We sure can feel like it if we learn to love ourselves internally and externally – cellulite and all!
My poems reflect the many moods of the universe. Any topic or experience can inspire me to express my view using poetry. It is an art I always loved as a child to this day. I strongly believe that life itself is poetic – the flow of nature, the imperfections of our society, the unfair judgments of unique cultures, to the mischievous grey hair reminding me what time it is. I write fast to capture the moment my mind is at it’s richest peek. A few of my Professors in university were very impressed at my ability to write a one page poem, in less than 30 minutes. It is something I cannot fully explain and would rather share. I am not one to perform on an open mic or attend the parties where you will find other Authors or Poets. Some of my fans once called me a “humble, hermit Writer”. I have to admit, this describes me best. I am satisfied when my readers can relate to the emotions of my writings. I have many more to share as I continue my Journey in life.
I loved your poem. It was inspirational, and very touching. I can’t wait to read your next book!
WHAT A WONDERFUL PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE! I’m OK, you’re OK. I look forward to reading your next book.
I wish all women looked at themselves like that. They should appreciate who they are as a person, as that is always more important than what shows on the surface. Very inspirational
Don’t change, be yourself. We hope to follow your “journey” with your next book. It shows great insight
I have always loved and enjoyed Yolanda’s poems and stories even before her publications. She would come for a weekend to the country and whip up a poem like it was nothing. But it wasn’t nothing, was some of the best words I have ever read. Yolanda is the most beautiful person I know. I can’t wait for her new book.
Thanks for featuring her Gina, the blog is really somethin’. I can relate to the writing just as it comes, and the creative “hermit” perspective! Looking forward to reading the books.