LISELLE POWDER

 

 

The Second Wife

 

Well, being the first wife was a task.

But it said for better or for worse.

I prayed, but it didn’t happen.

The good wife, the obedient wife.

I was all of them, even the faithful.

But what did that do for me?

I was the maid wife, the go-fetch wife.

Even the dogs don’t do that at times.

But as time passed, we are now friends.

You may think that it’s over.

But it starts again with an added touch.

I was like the second wife.

Pick up after him, wife.

Breakfast in bed, wife.

Rearrange wife, when things go crazy.

The toilet wife. Don’t ask.

The navel string needs to be cut off.

 

Dismantle With Authority

 

One thing I know for sure,

I was never a prayer warrior.

I was scared to even utter a word.

I prayed, but it wasn’t the same.

Meditation was a thing.

Having the authority to speak.

To dismantle the enemy.

I learned how to guard myself.

With prayers, it was my escape.

The only hope of freedom.

I had to stand and face them

Prayers is my life, yes!

Constant commitment to god,

he sees all and knows all.

I learned it well.

Not afraid, but bold. I had to,

or else suffer the consequences.

Of a lost soul.

 

Listen Daughter

 

It’s too much to bear.

They talk to her, and she doesn’t listen.

I talk to her and manage to get through somewhat.

She’s grown and has it made. She makes her own decision.

Mummy knows best. Do we?

Mummy always says the right thing.

Mummy this and mummy that.

She still goes by her rules.

But it’s a hard price to pay.

So, a mother will step back.

She will pray and watch on with tears,

Take your hand off and leave it to God.

He will heal her and bring her back.

Listen, daughter, it’s for your own good.

 

 

LISELLE POWDER

 

LISELLE POWDER was born in the small Caribbean Island of Trinidad and Tobago. Born to Edwina Warner (deceased) and Bindley Powder. She is the last of six siblings. She is divorced and a mother of two daughters and a granddaughter. Having migrated to the US in 2014, she decided to write poetry about her experiences coming to America. She met with Edna White an Author, and the rest was history. Liselle has written in Edna’s book “No Sweet Meat Tell Me the Truth” and contribute to the school newspaper where she works. Liselle held her first poetry show on July 10th, 2021, she also writes in Ms. Edna’s Magazine called “SPEAK MAGAZINE.” and wrote her first short story titled “Teenage Mom” and her poetry book titled “Still Overcoming”. Her short story “Teenage Mom” together with other short stories, is a combination by different authors coming together for the Anthology “Women Write Now” which was launched in November in 2022. With her continuous writing, she was entered in an Anthology for the months of June, July, and November of 2020, also June and July of 2021, and for July 2022. Also anthologies for June and November 2023. Liselle was awarded the Cheryl R Canton Incentive and the Willie Henry Riddick Memorial Award in June 2021, for winning an essay competition placing first. Liselle wrote another book entitled “Welcome to America,” which is on Amazon. Liselle is also an artist and has also sold some of her work. Liselle was honored in July 2023 with the Women Empowerment Award, and one of her poems was chosen for Black Poetry Day, in October 2022., and the reviews was excellent. She received the Beautiful Heart Award September 2023 at a gala ceremony for her contribution to writing. Liselle also recited two of her poems at the Juneteenth celebrations 2023, in Harrisburg Pennsylvania, as she was a guest of honor sponsored by the Writers Workshop curated by Nathaniel Gadsden. Liselle is also an artist in which one of her painting was accepted for an open call from the East Islip Council Gallery, the exhibit was in March and ended on the 14th of April ’23. Another painting form Liselle was also accepted in an open Call to be posted on social media for the month of April, ’23 it was posted on Lisa D’Amico Arts platform and social media. Liselle also showcased her artwork and recited her poem at the African American Museum on March the 23rd 2024. On January 28th 2025, Liselles’ artwork was selected to be on a website for healing, The website name is healingarttogether.com. Liselle held her first art show on Tuesday March 25th 2025. Liselle takes part in her school activities, reciting her poems and being a voice to the unheard. She also contributes to “Invisible Poets” on Facebook. Liselle strives to be the best of top poets and artist the world is yet to see.