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
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