From far‑flung shores they came as one—
beneath the same Jamaican sun.
Taino roots and African flame,
Europe’s mark and Asia’s name.
A tapestry of blood and bone,
woven into island stone.
Different tongues and different scars,
yet bound beneath the same bright stars.
The motto rose from history’s ache,
a vow no tyrant could unmake.
Out of Many — voices blend,
One People — rising without end.
It speaks of unity hard‑won,
of battles fought and justice spun.
It calls us past the lines we draw,
toward a deeper, truer law.
For though our stories twist and bend,
they meet in one resounding end:
that every child of this small land
must stand together, hand in hand.
Out of Many — let it be
our anthem of humanity.
One People — strong in every stride,
a nation walking side by side.
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