WHERE I AM FROM

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Thank you, Debra G. Harman, MEd. for this wonderful poetry prompt Where I am From

I am from my grandmother’s arms

Her tenderness and wisdom serve as a guide

And instilling pride.

I am the offspring of a single mother

Who nurture dreams, and find strength to rise

And an alcoholic father who struggle to find meaning in life.

I am from a group of people with kinky hair

Where nappy strands go against the force of gravity with style

I am intertwined with my roots

And every twists and cornrows, a spirit of resilience

I am from ancestors that rose above everything, destroying every chain

A reflection of my African history, and slavery’s stain.

I am from a culture where the Rastafarian roots was birth in our soil

Freedom of religion every square mile, a holy goal

And a rum bar on every corner.

Image Courtesy of Loop-Jamaica

Usain Bolt’s sprint, a flash of light

The fastest man on earth

An emblem of victory, our nation’s pride.

Photograph courtesy of Getty Images: Collage by [ Gabe Conte]

I come from a land with battles of gang warfare

Political warriors, fighting for power and reprisal

I am from a road seems long from strife and division

Election’s answer, the ballots a call for unity

From the yoke of violence and poverty we strive for equality.

@The-Social-Kitchen

I am from the Caribbean Island

Where stories of comfort food echoes

From the taste of Ackee and Salt fish our National dish

Otaheite apples and Sugar Cane

Blue Mountain Coffee, the world's best

To drinking Coconut Water and White Rum

Under moonlight on our white sandy beaches.

My-Island-Jamaica.com [Otaheite apples]

I am from a land of music

Reggae rhythms reverberate

Throughout the atmosphere

And the words of Bob Marley

A message can be heard

“I want to turn up the music and disturb my neighbors.”

Youtube- Vanessa Gutierre

I come from mango and curry festivals

The mangoes dripping with that summer’s kiss

Of juicy sweetness, pure bliss

Curry spices filling the air

Aromatic memories, beyond compare.

Jamaica Youth Theater

I come from a land of revelry

John Canoe [Jonkannu] our Christmas tradition

And Carnival’s our Easter energetic beat

Independence celebrated, a proud display

Of Bandana cloths, the fabric we wear is a cultural symbol

Tied with pride to our flag of red, gold and green

Our nation’s rich tapestry.

Where I come from

Spending summers in the country’s embrace

Was nature’s sanctuary, and a peaceful place

Elders holding hushed conversations, wisdom untold

Tales of the past, in memories unfold

Of forbidden love and deep secrets.

Where I am from is called Jamaica

We welcome our tourist by saying

"Welcome to Jamrock"

Customs prevail in the hearts of people every day

From city streets to agricultural fields

Community bonds, strong and tight

Fostering garrison's "We take care of our own."

I come from a land of wood and water

A tropical paradise

And a mosaic of diverse culture and patriotic people

And like our Motto says

Out of many, we are one.

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