Friday, July 31, 2009

natural mystic...





















somehow it all makes sense
it just is. naturally.
we are remnants of slavery
living in a caribbean paradise

we eat sugar apple or sweetsop
guineps, mangoes, and guavas
sugar cakes, tarts and gizzadas
festival and escoveitch

we drink rum punch, red stripe
ginger beer, sorrel, coconut water
and maybe even some peanut punch
while sailing on the jolly roger

oh yeah, tonight's gonna be a good night
see you at the sound clash dance hall queen
stop. feel the bassline
whine and go dung.

we jam dominoes at the small table
nestled under the flamboyant trees
then snorkle in turquoise waters
amongst tropical fishes and coral reefs

we celebrate slave uprisings,
old year's day, crop over, and carnival
grounation, chant to nyabinghi drums
greet kings and queens in 9 miles

we are a diverse people
who reason in exotic accents
or patois. and somehow, naturally
it all makes perfect sense. seen?

16 comments:

christina said...

Even through my deepest of tears, it always make sense. Always...
Your words make me remember a time, when all our people had were one another. And with one another it brought us so much joy. You make me understand a closeness of mum asking "what for need so much?" A time when, the island was all we used to need, to be happy. You have moved my heart to to the direction of my simple and loving home. No matter how far away I am.
I love ya, dearly friend.
Happy tears.

Anonymous said...

i love reading you, and learning more about your culture and values.

Tracy said...

I love coming here, Se'Lah...I learn so much, feel so much and begin to understand so much more...thank you :o)

Wanda said...

Oh, yes. Sounds wonderful...

What's peanut punch?

the prisoner's wife said...

we eat sugar apple or sweetsop
guineps, mangoes, and guavas
sugar cakes, tarts and gizzadas
festival and escoveitch

we drink rum punch, red stripe
ginger beer, sorrel, coconut water
and maybe even some peanut punch
while sailing on the jolly roger



this poem reminds me of beloved.

beautiful.

mel said...

Coming here is like a breathing a breath of fresh air...an island breeze, yeah?

Such soothing wisdom...a balm to the soul....a powerful message cloaked in a lilting, gentle melody...

...feel the rhythm of the surf pounding the shore....

~blessed be~

Darcel said...

Always love coming here.

kath said...

Yum, this is a yummy post, evoking remembered tastes and emotions from somewhere deep inside.
xo

rochambeau said...

Written beautifully, Se'Leh,
It's beautiful to know swim in the turquoise water with the fish and dance to music of the the night~
xox
Constance

Elizabeth Halt said...

peanut punch?!

i love the rhythm and emotion in this.

MiSspOetiCk. said...

:) I love it.

Cam said...

Poetry.

Beautiful. Passionate.

Coconut water? How do you make that?

SE'LAH... said...

inquiring minds wanna know:

peanut punch is a natural drink made from peanuts. it's more of a smoothie type drink.

coconut water? only JAH makes it. it is in every coconut, naturally. it's often served chilled. the green coconut is chopped until the inner shell is pierced and the water flows effortlessly from within.

sorry, got carried away...

robin bird said...

you bring it all to life with your words that create images, tastes and emotions.
xo

margie said...

i missed you and your lovely thoughts.

sunnymama said...

This is very moving :)