Crime

Crime is an issue in Jamaica today

Just look at the price some Jamaicans have to pay

There is fighting and killing in the country and

murder of the citizens with no money

There's something very wrong there

Our people have so much fear

Every day and every night

dem shoot a man and tek a life

This cannot go on at all

Jamaicans need to stand tall

Don't vote for politicians until this is done

We need to make the criminal dem run!

- Skai Bucknor, 9 years old

The artist

Self-absorbed, peaceful, engulfed in his own world

like a butterfly's attraction to a flower

Unaware of everything else but the task at hand

With artistic flair, each stroke representing

the rebirth of something new

His powerful stance,

the rippling effect of his muscles

As biceps and triceps move with mechanical precision

His attire was old and well worn

the exact replica of the colours of his present masterpiece

His face glowed with the same effect as the light on his painting

The transformation was slow, warm and sensual

while multiple shades of colours and implements surrounded him

From the H-shaped, floor-standing easel by the large window

As if looking intently at the landscape beyond

to the white sheet carpeted floor, protected from the onslaught of paint.

Then very slowly, he stepped back

placed his brush down

and left his studio.

- Davene Rowe

Troubles

I am upset by troubles all around

Bringing disquiet to my mind,

The weight of which press me to the ground

No more strength is there that I can find.

Yet, in me there is a faint but persistent will

To overcome, you must first endure,

No matter how high or steep the hill

To give up only makes failure sure.

- Varville Scott

Uptown (UPT) Poverty

You live in the three-storey house way up on the hill

Great choice!

People won't know when you don't pay the light bill

When you have to park the jeep,

Because you are tired

Of rimming it on 'E'

Definitely a symptom of UPT poverty

Banks have your number on speed dial

And the last time you hit the speaker button

Instead of ending the call

Whew! E-Mbarrassing

Hmmm. Stalling with the the loan payments,

Credit card in jeopardy

Oh yes ! I smell UPT poverty

Kids missed school three days last week

Midweek vacation ... that was the story.

Jeesum! pretending they are in Miami

Means they need to keep off that balcony.

Pretence is so exhausting.

Nothing in the double-door stainless steel fridge

The cupboards looking vacant

What a life depressing!

Tired of blaming companies

for their 'inefficiencies'

Can't wait to cash the next cheque

That Dolce dress is calling me!

Nothing to treat Poverty de la UPT

Like a huge dose of retail therapy.

- Jody-Ann Grant