She crouched low in the starting block,

a pocket rocket primed to shock.

The stadium hummed with rising heat,

as destiny tapped her flying feet.

The gun fired once — she blazed ahead,

a streak of green, gold, black, and red.

Her stride was poetry, fierce and tight,

a woman forged from purest light.

Olympic gold crowned her with grace,

a smile bright enough to lift a race.

Through motherhood, through doubt and strain,

she rose, she fought, she ran again.

Her locks flowed free like lion’s mane,

her victories carved through sweat and pain.

A symbol of what women bear,

and how they rise from anywhere.

Excellence — her lifelong creed,

a testament to strength and speed.

Shelly‑Ann, queen of track and flame,

your greatness lifts Jamaica’s name.

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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