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
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