I am a native Californian who grew up in the East Bay City of Richmond. I began writing as a means of self expression, and used it to release the thoughts, feelings and experiences that were taking place in my life. As a child, the pen and pad were my constant companions. Writings led me to connect with my Spiritual Creator which enabled me to overcome destructive obstacles. I am an avid journalist. I have kept and compiled the combined writing of my life, including the struggles, challenges, hopes, dreams and fantasies for the last 30 plus years. I extend my life's lessons to my three children with pearls of wisdom and tons of love. I enjoy jazz & gospel music, theater, poetry, travelling, healthy relationships and spending quality time with my family and friends.

Dewanda aka "MissDee" has joined the ranks of topcatlive as a developing author and poet.

Flight 18

As I turned to walk away
Tears formed in my eyes
I didn’t want you to see me cry
Again….
I wanted you to believe that I was strong
I wanted you to think I could make it on my own
Without you
Asking “Are you ok, baby”?

I didn’t want you to know
That you had opened a portal into my soul
The place where hopes and dreams unfulfilled lie
I didn’t want you to know
That I’d carried you around all these years deep in my soul
I didn’t know how to say
I love you
I miss you
I want to stay
I don’t want to go
I’m afraid
I didn’t want you to know that
I need you to complete me
I didn’t want to make you feel
Obligated to meet my needs
I wanted you to be free to choose
Me
Again and again
I wanted you to be free to choose
Me
To say those words that would tell me
You loved me
You missed me
You want me to stay
I turned to watch you drive away
wiped my tears away
whispered a prayer
Flight 18 boarding for Oakland California
_________________

THE DANCE

Memories flowed through her mind, like the ribbons of yellow that were tied to her hair as she danced under the blue sky of the autumn sun. She danced with the memories of those she loved that had gone on to heaven.

She twirled, leaped and bowed to the images of her grandparents, uncles, mom and dad. The ones she’d learned from. The ones who had taught her how to be a woman. Who showed her how to love self and others. The ones she’d cared for when they could no longer care for self.

She danced with the memories flowing through her mind, feelings the hands of each helping her to move through the dance keeping her feet steady, lifting her hands, caressing her heart as the tears ran down her face. She danced until she was breathless. Calling out their names, thanking them for the struggles they’d overcome so she’d have the right to dance.