Write On: If my heart was a house Jasmine Barlow

Essay by: Jasmine Barlow

Students in Grace Novacek’s class had the opportunity to work with hip hop artist and spoken word poet See More Perspective in early April. The residency was arranged with COMPAS and sponsored by the Roseau Parent Teacher Organization.  

• It'd be a spacious, big mansion with room and board for everyone but the host.

• It would be placed along the coast because that's what my heart desires most. And like you, my friend, you are welcome in my home.

• You can stay as long as you please, and when you find in your stay, however long that may be, you will come to see that some things are free.

• But if you leave the house, there's always a chance you may find your way back.

The driveway will always be open as if our bonds were never broken. 

• Some say the house is too big. Too full. Too many unnecessary people. Nobody is unnecessary. They may have changed but their room will always stay the same. 

• Some rooms are empty. Others nicely made, untouched as if the mansion was a hotel,

waiting for someone to occupy the nice space. 

• And then there's the garage. It's more like a storage space now. Filled with unwanted trinkets that were once priceless treasures or forgotten items. 

• It's better to leave the lock on the door. Don't you dare explore, for you might anger or hurt the old soul of the young looking host.