POEM: Message to the Graduates

You've fought and it's been long and hard
worrying, crying and fussing over report cards
You've been pushed, prodded and pulled
struggling through and trying to follow the rules
but your day is here and I know you are excited
all pressed and steamed and your guests already invited
enjoy this moment and revel in your success
stand proud and know that you are the best
you're young so you still have a lot of ground to cover

despite any challenge, you better be a mover

don't fool yourself - there's some tough days ahead

even days that all you may have to eat is bread

but you will overcome all your obstacles and problems

remember - lay it to the Father - he'll take care of them

keep your head on and good friends close

and no, not the ones who like to turn up their noses

who don't see the need to be kind to everyone

those who will beat or bully someone's daughter or son

you have to stand with people in a supportive circle

those who will help you if there's any obstacle

those who embody the values your parents taught you

those who encourage you to be positive and true

but this is not about them - it's all about you

you better know the right things to do

we always tell you to think for yourself

please don't leave the good lessons you learned on a shelf

You see, you stand proud and happy today

well that was my story a few years ago plus yesterday

don't laugh because my hair is beaded in gray

because there's always a positive message in what I say

have your vision and chart your course

stay true to God because he is the main source

but if you make a mistake, know that it's okay

and people will have a lot of negative to say

but an error has proven to be part of how we learn

today may be your error, but tomorrow is my turn

many a mistake has created great inventions

because it's not the hurdle, it's your great intentions

so all in all, I wanted to say

that on this journey, everything won't always go your way

but keep your head on and stay as strong as you can

be spontaneous but also know when to plan

relax when you need to and take a breather

money is good but good health is sweeter

take care of your mind, body and soul

because these three elements are what make you whole

stay committed to whatever you endeavor

when it comes to success, don't look at your neighbor and measure

instead enhance your talents and use them wisely

keep your head up, stay focused and let your light shine brightly!

© Linette Rabsatt

Happy Father's Day 2022

 

Original Poem: "Burdens" by Linette - YouTube

Greetings - just uploaded my poem, "Burdens" to YouTube. I used to do that more often but haven't in a while. I'll be uploading more content in the coming months. Please subscribe to my channel and of course, leave your feedback - it is always welcomed! 

Link: https://youtu.be/cuX7OVzmJj4

POEM: My Uncut Thoughts

When I get this pain in my gut

I know I may be stuck in a rut
Like if my foot was cut
By the shards of a broken nut
Sometimes, I hide in my hut
By keeping my door sealed shut
because I need to keep out the mutts
that don’t bite - they give head butts
So maybe I should take a walk in the Ghut
And look for yellow or green balls to putt
because life is like directing a movie uncut
Awoken, I slipped and fell on my butt!
© Linette Rabsatt

POEM: The Ingredients

Innovate

think beyond borders

beyond circumstances

to fix our problems

Invigorate

push positive energy

light up the room

and get things started

Inspire

encourage someone

be a coach or mentor

and help your brother

I see you

and I know you 

can be a role model too

You can make a difference

You have the power within you

to make a breakthrough

Innovation

Invigoration

and 

Inspiration

are the ingredients

to effect change

in your world

Ⓒ Linette Rabsatt

Dedicated to the Grade 2 students of the Cedar School, BVI

Album Spotlight: "On My Way to Greatness" by Shawndehrapper

Shawndehrapper recently released his first EP, "On My Way to Greatness."

Shawndehrapper is a rapper from the British Virgin Islands. He was very excited to chat with me about his latest project and looks forward to your continued support.

Who is Shawndehrapper?
Shawndehrapper is a secondary school student, and his family and friends know that he loves to rap. He was encouraged to participate in the Stop the Violence Rap Competition in 2020, which he won with his song, "Stop the Violence." He added that entering that competition helped him to get noticed. We also saw Shawndehrapper performing in the 2021 Qua-Rap-Tine Battle, which the Department of Youth Affairs and Sports hosted. He made it to the semifinal round.

"On My Way to Greatness"
Shawndehrapper wrote all his songs on this EP, which Nice Bay Studios produced. Shawndehrapper shared that fellow artist, Skippa - formerly known as KevyKev or Skipp Zenero, encouraged him not to fill his lyrics with expletives or gun violence. So, Shawndehrapper worked hard on this EP to make it more mellow and relatable.

Track List
"Something Bout You" featuring Don-G
Lyric Snippet: "Hold up, please don't look at the light, studio hot like we at a campsite, Don G come through, it's trouble tonight, Hold up, they watching, I gotta do this right...."

"Woman Be the Medicine" featuring Skippa
Lyric Snippet: Hook: "Light-skinned, dark-skinned, caramel and melanin, I don't see no better than, woman be the medicine...."

"Ruff in These Waters" featuring Lion Dre
Lyric Snippet: "Me and the Lion, we be out here vibing, trying make this music s*** work, so I grinding...."

"Red Card" featuring Maat
Lyric Snippet: "They move around like snakes, they say I can't get another, she could be replaced, my bars hit you so hard, it could leave you in a daze...."

"Bimas"
Lyric Snippet: "Wanna drop 10 on a AP, I swear these n****, they ain't me, Shooting my shot like is Kobe, Spitting these bars like I'm Jay-Z...."

Where to Find Shawndehrapper's Music?
Visit his YouTube and Soundcloud for his discography.

Acknowledgments
Shawdehrapper gave acknowledgments to Maat, Don G, Lion Dre, Skippa, Homegrown Studios for recording the EP, and Nice Day Music Studios for production.

Shawndehrapper's Favorite Track on "On My Way to Greatness"
Shawndehrapper's favorite track is "Something Bout You." He stated, "It was the tune we had the most fun making."

Who Does Shawndehrapper Listen To?
He listens to Priceless (favorites include "Free Runner" and "Thuggin"), Lion Dre, Flizop, Don G and Banco Bizmol.

Who Does Shawndehrapper Want to Collab With?
He answered quickly: Priceless or Banco Bizmol.

Advice for Persons Who Want to Perform

He encouraged future artists to "get known." Shawndehrapper suggested that artists ask to perform at events and get their music out. "It makes no sense to be rapping, and no one knows you or hears your music."

Shawndehrapper asked that we listen to his music and share it up!

Poem: Friendly but Deadly

Friendly

but deadly

as it intertwines

and cordially greets and hugs

Fruitful

but yet a killer

anything in its path

is consumed

leaving just dust

I love it

yet I hate it

because it’s colorful

yet devastating

and wanted

as a #1 option

because it makes a

coveted concoction

a sight to see

but I would not want to be

in its path

because it’s passion

is its bane

to other species

and it’s almost impossible

to tame

but to lose the treasure

means no more passion fruit juice