The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

bitetheatre The following narrative, ‘For Too Long’, talks about the masks we wear and hiding our true selves, whether it derives from a traumatic or vul- nerable experience. Tanica describes the woman’s eyes streaming heavier than Niagara Falls. However, she is a “spectacular waterfall, the revitalising water flows from the buds of her eyes rhythmically” yet she stares intensely at her reflection, thinking her face is eroding slowly. It’s a bittersweet nuance of being uplifted and fighting negative vibes from external sources. The woman’s beauty and power are challenged by jealous people who wish to keep her down because of their insecurities. “Well, of course, the same people that called her ugly are getting surgery to look like her.” The poet reflects on slavery regarding skin colour and the bleach that some women use today to achieve a lighter skin tone. She encourages us to be proud of our natural skin colour. Whether you have freckles or beauty spots, you are beautiful. Different shades and sizes, dark, fair, or brown skin with “chocolate, honey, cocoa dipped, caramel, vanilla shakes, glowing natural tans and pale tones” make you goddesses in your own right. It doesn’t matter if you have a tiny waist, round or curvy hips, large or small breasts, tall or short, slim, medium or plus size; you are unique and celebrated. We should always complement each other and uplift our fellow women. Tanica encourages us never to let a man dim our flame. “If he does, fare him well and let him know if he doesn’t recognise your woman’s worth, you’ll find a suitable king” who will. He is not irreplaceable, and you are not a concubine, so clarify ‘you don’t own me’. Wear make-up to enhance your beauty or as a face art, but do not use it to hide your individuality. Do not be a beautiful queen robbed of your diamonds, pearls or emeralds; you are a valuable gem. She addresses inflated pride in ‘Vanity Beauty’, asking, “What do you see, you people, gazing at me? Do you see a doll on top of a stage struck by vanity?” Is she under a spell, waiting for perfection, staring at her reflec- tion and bound by illusional deception? She declares she longs to be free, turning over the thoughts in her head, excessively yearning. Tanica went through the alphabet describing the impeccable value and downfall of women. The woman has a beautiful body, was born to be a beauty pageant and is a divine diva. “Devilish dope dresser, you’re fine as hell no matter what you wear!” She is elegant, and others are earnestly eager to inhale her exhaled energy. Yet, injecting lips, increasing the size of your butt and breasts, and using botox are an illusion that you woke up like this. “Loathing yourself more, so when you face rejection, unlearning love lingers.” Thanks to your versatile beauty and volatility, you're virtuous but vain and tolerated. Tanica warned us to be careful of perfection as it is a disease of the nation,