I used to have this friend–well, friend is actually not the correct word to use, because she was much more than that. She was like family, a self-appointed sister if you will.
We first met during my first semester at the University of North Texas. She was actually one of the first people to introduce themselves to me on campus. I still remember to this day exactly how she looked during that first encounter. The first thing I noticed were the dreads. They are still the longest locs I’ve ever seen on anyone. Hers were down her back and smelled of essential oils (jasmine, if I remember correctly). Then, I noticed this nice, girlish looking woman-child with cherub cheeks and a beautiful smile wearing a denim top with a florally, flowing skirt.
Now, I will often say that I’m a reformed boho (an affectionate term typically reserved for the black bohemian set), but she was the Earth Goddess of our boho set. And, as if to confirm this thought, she extended an invitation to a poetry night that was going on (and where I would later give my first poetry reading).
Fast forward a year later, after the first New York debacle and a very disappointing summer. Tab and I are moving into the first of our many Denton domiciles. As I go out to survey the land, who do I see getting out of her dusty, beat-up van in the complex across the street? The earth goddess herself. That was the moment that forged one of the most memorable friendships I’ve ever had. From there we attended drum circles, poetry readings, temporarily formed a band, wrote songs, had pot lucks (vegetarian, of course) and just enjoyed each others company. It’s kinda funny, really. We went from being this band of outsiders to a rolling family unit in the course of a couple semesters.
My most fond memory with her was one day soon after we had helped her move into her apartment in Lewisville. She and I sat in her apartment listening to countless CDs, just talking about them and life in general. She actually gave me a brand new appreciation for Sade’s Love Deluxe. Really, she’s shaped my musical taste more than she could possibly know.
Sadly, we’ve grown a part in recent years. The reason behind it, I couldn’t really say. But, though she doesn’t know this (and possibly doesn’t even care), I still look her up and follow her career just to see how she’s doing.
So, I dedicate this entry to my ethereal, self-appointed sister-friend Rizpah. If you ever happen to read this, I hope our paths will cross again some day soon.
D
