Poetry (4)
What lurks outside?
We fear the dark
But we also fear the light
As we are not safe either way
I am terrified
By the criminal elements
That surround the once
So peaceful air
All I hear is robbery
People being murdered
Primetime news counting
Deaths
Politicians having the time
To celebrate their political
Achievements
But I wonder
Do they know?
What lurks outside?
- Christena Williams
______________________________
Life
Life is just like a fairytale and you can't figure it out
It's hard when a child is sick
Parents have to run all about
There are times when you just can't manage
But life is a real challenge
Everytime you're changing your mind
Or looking forward to a future that you can't find
You have to pay bills, thinking what the other day is going to be about
People just say it's hard, without a doubt
There are children out on the streets who are hungry and dying for thirst
But it doesn't have to be like this if we put God first.
- Shanell R. Sint (age 10)
Golden Grove All Age School
_______________________________
Portia Simpson Miller
A Jamaican woman overall
Standing tall
Having the gall
To conquer all
Proud to be true
Rated among few
There's none else like you
Only you do what you do
To God be the glory
That should be your story
He gave you this
Don't be sorry
Trust Him humbly and don't worry
Say, 'Lead me Lord that I may lead'
Show me how to do your deed
Help me today to plant a seed
That will bring forth much fruit indeed
Honourable Portia Simpson Miller
The people's mother, daughter and sister
Yes, our prime minister
The Lord bless and keep you
Now and in the future.
- Valrie Wynter
________________________
Mr Thwaites
Good and quick initiative you take, Minister Thwaites
For far too long we have been holding on to faith
Using our neighbours to help us step up to the plate
We know one day will not make us spic, span and brand new
But it is a stepping stone to explore different routes and avenues
They fail me, still they don't have a solution or a clue
And expect me to perform without the required working tools
Sir, I thank you
I am Holy Trinity High School.
- Johnelle Grant (13 years old)
__________________________
Mothers
This is how we do it
Older mothers
Younger, inexperienced mothers do not know
We have no shame and embarrassment
You simply ask for an extra plate when you have purchased one meal
And an extra cup, straw, spoon napkin, etc.
And go to the fast food places with refill drinks
So she was there
Two children
One on either side
One box lunch, one drink, one cake, one fork
Feeding each child alternately, herself in the middle
She must have been new to it
With the care she took
The little girl looked like she could eat the whole cake
But there was trust
That mother would share everything as she always did
Nice nails, hands and feet
That is how we 'turn up the thing'
'Turn up the thing!'
Mothers always sacrifice
Always leaving something extra for the children to eat
Even when you know they have had their belly-full
It is the mother's nature to upside down things!
- Helen-Ann Wilkinson
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To my parents
I may argue with you
I may dislike the things you do
I may complain
And say you cause me much pain
But it's time to admit
That even though I refuse to submit
I appreciate everything you did
I always loved you as a teen
As a kid
You are my first, my only
Without you, I'd be lonely
We'll always have moments of laughter
I'll forever be your loving daughter.
- Racquel Robertson
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Man's world
In a man's world, women never get it right
In a man's world women have to toss, fuss and fight
Fight for respect, fight for equality, while men get everything simply
In a man's world, women are to get hurt as this is a part of the plan in the man's land
In a man's world, women are victims and men the victors
In a man's world, it means I have to fight a little harder for me
As in a man's world
Women never get it right.
- Kerry Ann Thompson
Express yourself!
Send your poems to editorial@gleanerjm.com. Not all poems will be published.
