Page 81 of The Love of Priest

"It was," he agreed.

Another poet took the stage. The full-figured woman had a striking umber skin tone that glistened against the gold jewelry she wore. Her thick and curly mane was pulled up into a high ponytail that was wrapped in a tribal scarf. Her bare face was inviting as her lips shined with a nice layer of lip gloss. She smiled as the frequent patrons of SIX:00 AM gave her a full round of applause before she could even say a word into the mic. Ivy was her pen name, and Britain had received the honor of hearing her present her work a few times when she came with Jadey.

Ivy was definitely a crowd favorite. "She must be popular around here?" Priest asked, causing Britain to nod in response.

"She performs here often. Her work is great," Britain enlightened Priest.

As the music simmered down and the lights grew dim, the spotlight focused on Ivy as she stood at the front of the stage. She was still sporting her beautiful smile. "Thank you, thank you," she said to the audience as the clapping began to cease. "It's an honor to be here tonight. I'm gonna be taking a different approach. I'm actually here to welcome a very inspiring young woman to the stage who has done an amazing job bringing light to our community with her “Humans of New York” columns inThe New York Times. Without further ado, put your hands together to welcomeGioiato the stage," Ivy announced as claps filled the room.

Priest was definitely confused and shocked to see Britain rising from her seat. Tonight, the last thing he expected was for Britain to take the stage. He hardly even knew she enjoyed poetry.Leaning back in his seat with a smirk at Britain’s well-played surprise, his dark eyes followed her enticing body to the stage. Shockingly, she wasn't nervous. She seemed at peace and open.

Now on the stage, Britain set her eyes on everyone in the audience. An urge surged within her for her feline-like orbs to gravitate straight over to Priest. As low key as he was, he still managed to stick out like a sore thumb to her. Maybe it was because the energy they shared caused him to radiate.

"Thank you. I truly appreciate it," Britain thanked everyone for the welcome. "I first want to set the record straight. I am no poet, but I found this beautiful poem that resonated with my current situation, and I just thought I should share it with you guys,” she issued her disclaimer as her eyes seared directly into Priest's.

A small smile stretched across his face as he shot her an encouraging wink. "This poem is called “A Guide to Loving a Black Man”by an underground poet called ASimplePoet," Britain announced as the lights grew dim and the music lowered to a faint hum.

"The first thing you must understand,

There is no easy way to love a black man.

You've got to take time to figure him out,

And study and digest what he's really about

Knowing he's someone you can't live without.

Then pour on the kindness

Shower him with sweetness,

Never letting him take your kindness for weakness.

For he's desires strength with a touch of gentleness.

He has a tough time giving his all to you,

So be appreciative of the little things he tries to do.

Let him know he can trust and confide in you,

And in return he won't have to hide things from you.

So be his supporting rock, be his friend not his foe,

When he falls, don't be so quick to say I told you so."

The words of the poem gracefully flowed out of Britain, resonating with Priest perfectly. Getting out of his seat, he gravitated to the front of the room where others were standing near the stage getting a closer view of Britain. He stood directly in front, eyeing her.

"Be understanding, not demanding.

Let him unwind, he faces a world of rain,

So try to be his ray of sunshine.

Don't get too cozy in the comfort zone.

You'll might take it all for granted and end up alone.

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