Poems

Love in Action

In Jamaica, the land of sun and sea,

Where culture thrives in harmony,

Love is not just a word to say,

It’s a way of life that’s on display.

In the rhythm of reggae beats,

Love’s melody, the soul it greets,

It’s in the sway of hips and feet,

In the warmth of smiles that can’t be beat.

Love’s in the taste of spicy jerk,

The aroma of coffee, rich and perk,

It’s in the sound of laughter shared,

And the bond of family, deeply cared.

Love is seen in the vibrant art,

The colours and patterns that impart,

Stories of struggles and victories told,

Through paintings, sculptures, and stories

bold.

It’s in the kindness of a neighbour’s hand,

Extending help, always ready to lend,

In the words of wisdom from an elder’s lips,

Guiding the young with tender tips.

Love is present in the spiritual chants,

The reverence for ancestors that enhances,

In the joyful celebrations of life’s milestones,

With music, dance, and jubilant tones.

Love is action, not just a word,

In Jamaica’s culture, it’s often heard,

It’s in the embrace of friends and kin,

And the sense of community that’s akin.

So let us learn from Jamaica’s way,

To love in action, every day,

To cherish our culture and heritage,

And spread love’s message, a universal pledge.

– Kadian Lemard

A Jamaican hopeful

With Mother’s experienced hand

Jamaica was stunning

Sixty-one years now they’re governing

Dons doing the running

Politician’s work overpowering

Promises they make while more guns killing

Country out of control, they say CCJ coming

The leaders are drooling

At last friends will issue the ruling

Escaping under the guise of a holiday to Belize or a cruise at seas

Jamaicans leave their yam and banana and their sweet cassava

Guns firing, cries and whaling, Jamaiti is rising

Leaving the rum and sweet potato pudding

Gruelling as it be they must flee the gunning

Leaders want to replace the Monarch

Don’t want Father overlooking

They have grand ideas for more distancing

more of the same destroying

Hand Father the wheel

Better him doing the steering

With a steady hand and less manoeuvring

England will do the deep cleaning

Oversee the rebuilding

Stopping the decay we’ll be the talk of the day

Polished we’ll be with plenty sunshine and beautiful sea

Our children filled with glee

Ackee and breadfruit abundantly growing

A dance again we’ll be loving

Neighbours we’ll be hugging

– I. C. Martin