Light in a dark place

My try at poetry.

Light in a dark place

 

Morning light, hope and scent of tea in the early Caribbean morning

Voices drowned with laughter, love and uncertainty of feelings for one another

They made me write and write until my fingers grew numb

When on walls they leaned with white papers hanging from their lips

 

Darkness creeps over the hills too soon

And lull the half-tired to a deep snore

Until there comes the sun glowing pink through sheer curtains that hang there all year round

And greet the sleeper with the harmony of bees

 

The quiet makes you write and write

Until Friday eve and time for prayers,

Creativity paused as we walk down bumpy roads and greet those leaning on walls, smirking at your flesh

The scent of smoke from black lips drive your thoughts to foreign places

And heightens hope for new things undiscovered

 

Words misused, laughs not real, reach up to the trees dancing in the cool afternoon breeze

Feet padding lightly on cool dirt moistened with travelers

Toes dipped in cool waters fanned by God, only found here that makes you breathe

Heads thrown back, dark gums exposed to the all year sun

 

Papers softened and discarded by frustrated hands

Almost by all the hands here have no art or soul

Language un-censored and cast to the wind and blown around

Caught by babies wrapped in fleece and wool

 

Dead by nine and awakened by six

Half sleeping strollers wipe mouths stained with last night’s liquor

Nurtured beggars expose teeth of black and clothes soaked brown with outstretched palms and grin

Retire by noon and, out again by eve, sipping sweet liquid under the cool coconut tree

 

Secrets spilled in the many quiet places and hearts expressed at the many altars

Shirts pulled off the many hidden places that cloak laughter and squeals

Sweet nostalgia hits in many places when the squashed fruits are inhaled, and seep through toes

Hearts joined under the dark skies to laugh and play in the quiet, until the warm Caribbean sun, once again crawl over high mountains, slowly, carefully

 

 

 

 

Author's Note

This poem speaks of my community in the Caribbean

Reviews

[Rocans]

Quite an elaborate piece, it's very rare that I find fellow Jamaican poets on the web. And even rarer to find good Jamaican poets. You definitely fit that category although you say this is your "try at poetry". What strikes me most about this piece is its mood or rather the mood it conjures. Your imagery appeals to me maybe perhaps because as a Jamaican I identify with your references. Nicely done!

[ReneeJ]

Thank you for your kind review. I am really happy that you enjoyed it :)

[Adam Whitworth]

wonderful work; more poetry please!

[ReneeJ]

:) I will certainly try, glad you liked it

[AprilRN1210]

Your use of language is exquisite in this piece, it makes the imagery vivid, captivating, and breathtaking.. The flow was so easy and effortless.. It is like I was floating on a cloud through this amazing scenery where all of my senses were teased with richness... You did an amazing job.. I really enjoyed this..

[ReneeJ]

Thank you for your kind review :)

[Opeyemi Jide-Ojo]

Your try at poetry! Really?! This is good. Paints the everyday life in your community. One of my favorite parts: "Language un-censored and cast to the wind and blown around
Caught by babies wrapped in fleece and wool" makes me think of babies or little kids inhaling smoke blown from joint rolls and coughing swear words..... Now I want to go to Jamaica. Good one Renee!

[ReneeJ]

Thank you!!! And I love your interpretation of that line

[NoelHC]

I was on a cruise ship, we stopped in six different ports, on six different Eastern Caribbean islands, your Jamaica, unfortunately was not one of them, but I kept seeing glimpses of those other islands reading this. Thank you for that warm trip back.

[ReneeJ]

awww Im glad you enjoyed :)

[cander03]

Amazing. I felt like I was there. Beautiful work.

[ReneeJ]

Glad you enjoyed :)))

[Frieda P]

Great imagery here, a tantalizing read, makes me want to move to the Caribbean, sounds down to earth and simply luverly.

[ReneeJ]

Thank You!!!!

[Chris Micha]

Wow is all I can say about this beautiful piece. I swear I was taken there and lived there for this moment. I could smell the scents and see the sights. You brought me to a place I did not want to leave. This was pure magic, Renee!! :)

[ReneeJ]

Thank you dearie. Im overjoyed that you enjoyed it :)

[Audrey Kanyera]

Wow I can picture the people in the poem. Beautiful piece

[ReneeJ]

Thank you, glad you enjoyed :)

[Patricia]

This evokes such vivid images I love how you used nature and relationship, which is my favorite type of poetry. this is beautiful and well written and your heart is obvious and just as beautiful as the write. Great poem!

[ReneeJ]

awwww Thank you for your kind words :)

[Patricia]

You are very welcome sweetie! :)