Poems

It's a boy's world

Apart, but together.

In the same room but different devices.

A system created to involve more players, they battle together, yet apart.

An eruption of laughter as one "dies".

The joy it creates as they individually collaborate in the game.

It's a boy's world.

- Melissa-Ann Campbell

***

FI WI CHRISMUS

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody sey dem nuh know

Di las time it was around mi neva use to wear shoes su mi di buck off fi mi toe

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody say dem nuh know

Di last time it was around mi si a man him tall su, all mi head di start fi grow

Chrismus is coming and the goose is getting fat, di equivalent to a penny is a nanny so please put it in this ole man's hat

Chrismus is for children and it's for big people too, what happen to our maypole dancing and our good ole junkonoos

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody sey dem nuh know

Di las time it was around mi neva use to wear shoes su mi di buck off fi mi toe

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody sey dem nuh know

Di last time it was around a si a man him tall su, all mi head di start fi grow

Do you rememba our anancy stories once upon a time

And our good ole duppy stories that would a neva mek pickney one sleep at night

Wi use to walk and paint every stone inna di yaad white

Nothing nuh pretty like dat inna di gorgeous moonlight

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody sey dem nuh know

Di las time it was around wi neva use to wear shoes su mi di buck off fi mi toe

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody sey dem nuh know

Di last time it was around a si a man him tall su all mi head di start fi grow

A si dem got a lot a light these days and some big black boxes a every corner street out fi coak up my ears

Lot a toys in di stores fi mek pickney walk a gaze but wid all a dat mi a beg unuh pleaseeee

Bring back fi wi good ole days

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody sey dem nuh know

Di last time it was around wi neva use to wear shoes su mi di buck off fi mi toe

Wha happen to fi wi chrismus everybody sey dem nuh know

Di last time it was around a si a man him tall su all mi head di start fi grow

- William Bryan Faulknor

***

The Echo of Life

Hello?...Helloo...ooo?

Anybody there?....Anybody there..e...e...?

Who are you?!.....Who are you..u....u?!

Show yourself!...Who's there?....Who's there....e....e.?

Mmmm....I ask myself that question

Everyday

Sad to say, there are times when I feel as if no one is there

As if no one cares

You name it, I've seen it all

Those "I want to run to the hills" kind of bills

Those "Leave me alone , no cuddles" kind of struggles

The times I feel I just want to give up!.....giveee up!

Give up?

Who really are you? Why would you want me to give up?

Beyond all these scars, I've come too far

If it wasn't for the Help, that came just in the nick of time,

If not for the One, in whose arms I can safely fall

If not for People, yes those towers of strength

Family, friends

Who you can rest assured will be there til the end

If not for the Everlasting Fountain

Where would I be?

Help....H...

From the One,...O

In the form of People,,,,P

Leading us to the Everlasting Fountain....E

Ahhh yes...

I know you who you are

HOPE

It all now makes sense

HOPE

The echo of Life

The "something more"

That causes us to go on

That reminds us, even at this time of year

That the true HOPE came to us in that Manger

Oh, how such danger

To be carried away by the lights, all the gifts

When the perfect gift of all

Was wrapped so wonderfully in hay

On top,

That bright red bow of salvation

Hello?...Hello...oooo?

You hear that?

Someone else is trying to find you

I'll be right back

I've got a job to do

As now I must spread this message of Hope

- Andre Campbell

***

I Love Me Some Rain

The clouds start to darken

I cuddle up in bed

They slowly start to open

I know what they intend.

The wind grows ferocious

The trees all sway and wave

The plants brace for viands

azaleas, roses and hyacinths all rave.

The raindrops fall on the rooftops

The windows get their share.

The gentle but beautiful melody

Music like this is truly rare.

The raindrops get thicker now

The clouds get translucent too

The band decided to syncopate

It's amazing what the rain can do.

It lulling me off to sleep now

I can't resist the thrill

Sunshine come back tomorrow

I love me some rain today