Jamaican Poetry: Morning on my Windowsill by Poetess Defy

Morning breaks over the hillside

And snakes up to my windowsill;

The defense they mount is futile

As she slips effortlessly, like butter,

Through their rearguard.

Her yellow dress is stunning,

Covering wall to wall;

Lazy bones stretch, muttering compromising curses

As sleep scampers away like a timid rabbit

Way too early.

Though stunning,

This unwanted beauty

Continues to sing her morning song;

Like a nightingale,

Undeniable in its presentation.

Morning breaks over the hillside And snakes through to my windowsill.

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.