O island carved from sun and sea,
your spirit lives in all of we.
From Blue Mountain mist to Negril’s glow,
your heartbeat shapes the life we know.
We honor those who walked before,
who fought, who bled, who opened doors.
We honor those who rise today,
who build, who dream, who light the way.
Jamaica — land of rhythm and rain,
of laughter stitched through ancient pain.
A place where hope refuses sleep,
where roots run strong and memories deep.
We sing your name with lifted voice,
for loving you is not a choice.
It is a calling, fierce and true—
a covenant we all renew.
Jamaica land we love, we stand
as children of your sacred land.
Your story lives in every line,
your future bright, your people shine.
About the Writer:
Poetess Defy is a Jamaican author, and poet, whose work is deeply rooted in the cultural rhythms, spiritual grounding, and lived experiences of the island she calls home. Born in Kingston and shaped by the vibrant communities of Harbour View, Windward Road, Rockfort, and Seaview Gardens; she has spent more than two decades writing, teaching, and preserving Jamaican stories through her creative and educational work.
As a writer, she has authored more than eighty books. Her work is guided by a deep love for Jamaica, a commitment to truth, and a desire to uplift and inspire. Her poetry, in particular, captures the humor, resilience, struggles, and beauty of Jamaican life, offering readers an intimate window into the island’s spirit.
Books by Poetess Defy

Jamaica: Poetic Stories
by Poetess Defy

Jamaican Pebbles
by Poetess Defy

Di Summer of 2015
by Poetess Defy

The Jamaica Island Journal
by Poetess Defy

101 Jamaican Love Poems
by Poetess Defy

The Road Back to Myself
by Poetess Defy