as Sweet as all that

I just rewatched Their Eyes Were Watching God. It was always one of my favorite movies. I plan to pull the book out of storage TODAY. 

I remember being younger and wanting a love like Janie and Tea Cake’s. Such a dreamer. So innocent. So conditioned.

As I have gone out to experience the world, I never found that ideal in one person. I didn’t think that at the time because I simply wanted someone to love me. I can say that I settled, overlooked, and compromised. But I also believe that every lover had something that made them perfect for the time. So many moments where they were exactly what I needed. 

Walks, late night conversations, home cooked meals, music, dancing, passion and lovemaking, kisses and cuddles, bear hugs and safe-spaces. 

I have lived. And I have been hurt. I’ve hurt others too. 

Tea Cake reminded Janie to live, fully. 

He awakened what lay dormant from years of compliance. 

Zora Neale Hurston reminds us,

go against the norm

take up space, boldly.

Janie was a product of her times, but she knew how to Be before she was molded into the woman the world wanted her to be. 

The life that she discovered was hers all along. 

She is a reminder to live now. 

And we no longer have to wait for a Tea Cake to remind us of that.