Christian Campbell - Vertigo (for Gwendolyn Brooks and Kiah) lyrics

A little girl twirls in the airport In the line for New York. She looks Like five and already co*ks out her chest She is adorned with womanish things Pink plastic bangles and ruffled socks She opens and closes her denim jacket Like wings, as she whirls. She will come Back with more pink things (with which To twirl). Her lips are pursed big-woman Style (she has the kind of top lip with nerve Enough to curve over the bottom one). She is The colour of coconut candy. Her face Slopes slightly. Her cheeks are full Her eyes wear the seriousness Of sun. She answers to her name And also to Precious. Her name Might be Precious. She does not fear Her smallness. She likes her Bajan Ways. The spinning is all that counts She is already not soft and her forehead Is broad and African. If twirling and Smiling went together, she would give One wide with dimples and her tongue Between her teeth. Singing goes with Twirling and this requires fierceness She knows how to hold on to the beauty Of a thing. She acts this way. You'd want To say “she is a wailing dervish” Or “she is a rainstorm colleting” You'd want to say “her hair is sectioned Like the parishes” or “look at Oya's Grandchild.” But she is just twirling Which her singing tells and tells. It is just that Her plaits are countless today, full Of bluebird barrettes. All else are staring Sensible and still. The girl gives a whirl