World Poetry Day was on March 21, 2008

On March 21, 2008, the Callaloo Poets are celebrating World Poetry Day in conjunction with our UNESCO office here in The Virgin Islands. World Poetry Day was first launched in 1999 by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) at the 30th session of the General Conference in Paris. Why poetry? Some poets say it is a way to express themselves and others may say it is a way for them to share their thoughts with others. If you are a poet, we encourage you to keep writing and to share your work. You never know who you may inspire. We, as a starting group of 18 poets, published "V.I. Callaloo: Poems from the Caribbean" in November 2006 and officially launched with the help of the Department of Culture in May 2007. 

V.I. Callaloo is a poetic 'cook-up' of poems about love, life, culture, history and social issues. It is our hope to publish more volumes of V.I. Callaloo in the future and to also include many more poets and their writings. Poetry is an artform with few limitations. You can craft your thoughts around any topic with creativity. Poets share the love of writing but use different writing styles to convey their personal messages. Some poets use rhyme or rhythm, while others use repetition of sound or imagery or personification. Others speak in the third person to grab the reader's attention. 

Writing the poem is only one aspect for poets who choose to perform at 'open mic' events or at programs. Reading the piece brings it to life and can help the audience to understand the message you are trying to convey. Poets may use music or drums to enhance their pieces. Some use audience participation such as verbal or non-verbal cues to enhance their poems. I have seen poets also use dramatization and movement to give their poems more flavor. The Callaloo Poets and the Virgin Islands Improvement Association (VIIA) hosted an 'open mic' poetry reading honoring the elders on March 15, 2008. The events are well supported with new poets stepping up to the mic at every reading. 

We continue to encourage the 'closet writers' to come out and share their work because talent is special and not meant to be hidden. Poetry Readings are held every third Saturday of the month and you can look forward to the next reading on April 19, 2008. The venue and theme will be confirmed soon. To give you a taste of our poetry, a few of the Callaloo Poets have agreed to share some pieces with you. Please enjoy and let us have your comments. For more information about the Callaloo Poets, visit http://www.myspace.com/vicallaloo and http://www.youtube.com/vicallaloo. For more information on UNESCO, call 468-3701.

TWILIGHT OF MY NEW DAWN 

The tone of your dark skin fades into the color of your emotions. 

A daughter of time, a product of promising illusions. 

Your heavy heart beats to the rhythm of life's sad song... 

And with each day that passes, a piece of you... gone. 

But as diamonds emerge from heated coals in intense pressures, 

As stones are polished by raging waters, 

So it is with you.. tho' battered and torn, 

Broken and knocked down, 

A glorious and endless light radiates from within; 

Fueled by the eternal love of your beautiful being. 

 So hope hangs high as you realize your powers... 

That river of life flowing from you to others, 

Those words of wisdom that are immortal, 

Those prayers you uttered at heaven's portals, 

That desire to rise on the wings of a new day, 

The courage to shine when all around you is grey. 

 Now, as this sunset draws on, you look beyond 

And a smile escapes as you break into song... 

"Surely this is not where I belong." 

"This is the twilight of my new dawn!" 

© Ezrena George-Barrett 

In the midst of revolution   

Hinting at obvious circumstance, 

Planning for our one big chance. 

Congregating in the street, Greetings as each meet each. 

Flowing, is the knowing, in the air. 

That here, today, we will raise our cares. 

While banners flow and drums beat harder, 

Prophets stand with ears open to the father. 

The food we eat; the air we breathe 

The lives we live our killing me! 

The lives we live kill community! 

Then in noise, silence came. 

More than just a passing rain, 

Freedom poured from heaven's hands 

Helping us to understand, 

In the midst of pain and process, 

Among us who bear these crosses, 

In the midst of revolution, 

Running, screaming, pleading 

Came our heaven sent solution! 

 © Nyah Umoja 

cultivation 

 my reach needs an extension 

 to make the connection 

in reaction to the love in existence 

 and the brilliance of a million smiles 

and reactions that produce alive passion 

that fashions inside and cultivates outside 

 lies trembling beside 

and stimulates the fireside 

 on the bright side 

 a poem compiled 

 with the happy tears I cried 

 a walk in the countryside 

 a relaxing morning ride 

 fashions my inside and 

cultivates my outside 

 © Linette Rabsatt 

Family 

Peace to the people who really love me 

Who run to hug me when others shun me 

Sweet annointings they rub upon me 

Shine on my mind like the sun above me 

They see the bad and observe the ugly 

Extend a hand and affirm the lovely 

Judge me not trust me lots do the opposite 

Involved with plots to squash all confidence 

So ominous, they argue for dominance 

Thank God for prominent followers of Solomon 

Tall monuments of genuine compliments 

Are offered to all of us to honor the marvelous 

They polish diamonds that lie inside me 

They teach me to fly and advise me wisely 

They baptize and guide, they stand beside me 

They chastise psyche's when bad guys spite me 

They are my light, my sight, my miracle 

Mother Earth's umbilical giving me minerals 

Spiritual principles mixed with political wit 

Physical fitness is critical 

I sit with angels, rhythm they grant me 

This is a lyrical tribute to family 

© Sowande 

Be Vigilant 

Be mindful of what you say 

Cautious of how you say 

Be sure to analyze why you say, 

what you say 

When you say, what you say, 

it might makes a difference 

Be cognizant where you say, 

what you say 

Swift to evaluate what you say, 

to whom you say 

Eventually, the world 

might be a better place to live 

 © Justin Hodge

What is it Worth?   

Is there value in deceit and blasphemy? 

Is there value in living disrespectfully? 

What is it worth without LOVE? 

Put away your disgust and grudge… 

Words without work is NOT enough! 

The effort put into the jealousy and malice; 

Is energy that could be better utilized in so many ways 

Put a price tag on your characteristics 

And see if it is valued for great or small… 

Stand ten stories tall, 

With a firm footing in righteousness! 

After all; you were given life 

To give the true values to all 

Deny positive living and time will reveal 

That you shall surely fall!   

© Gavin Baird