His name may not cut a dash with the dancehall crowd, but on the local arts scene, poet/author Mervyn Morris enjoys as much adulation as deejays Beenie Man or Bounty Killer. Without the bling and controversy, of course. Morris, 72, was recently awarded the Order of Merit for 'distinguished contribution to the field of West … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Who is Professor Mervyn Morris? Poet Laureate of Jamaica
Professor Emeritus Mervyn Morris has been named Jamaica's first Poet Laureate in 60 years. Morris, an eminent poet was named by the Tourism Minister, Dr Wykeham McNeill this morning. The title of Poet Laureate is a national honor that recognizes a distinguished Jamaican poet for his/her significant contribution to the literary community. It is expected … Continue reading Professor Mervyn Morris named first Poet Laureate in 60 years
By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, defy, Denise N. Fyffe I’ma just remind you that I’m still here Because you don’t see my words Doesn’t mean The words aren’t rattling here, In my mind I ain’t resigned They still linger They are still divine; They still clammer for the tip of my pen They … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Denying self
By: Denise defy Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, defy, Denise N. Fyffe I’m broken Borderline A bipolar accident waiting to ignite in my mind; What I am is a figment of the former me Deceased, Or at least That is what I have come to believe; More or less My confessions are real Life has stripped … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: I’m Broken
By: Denise defy Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Poetess Defy, Denise Fyffe Blossoms o'er and above the hill A sign that nature's heart yet beats stronger still Four months basked in a cloak of white Viking trees once starving orphans, exposed to the winters banshee cries; Now the sun kisses each baby leaves eye Limbs … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Spring
Former 100 meter world record holder Asafa Powell has been banned 18 months for failing a drug test last year. Powell, who has won three Olympic medals, called the sentencing “unfair and unjust,” according to the BBC. From the BBC’s report: The Jamaican sprinter, 31, took the banned stimulant oxilofrine at last year’s national championships … Continue reading Jamaican sprinter and Olympic medalist Asafa Powell banned 18 months for doping
By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Poetess Defy, Denise N. Fyffe You would not have expected this outcome, Mostly trees and shrubs lie on the ground. After the howling, hiss and shenanigans, One would have expected houses to fly, Like sailing divans. You would not have expected this outcome, Light poles and wires look … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: The Hurricane Outcome
By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Poetess Defy, Denise N. Fyffe Yuh nuh hear wah a gwaan, Yuh nuh see how it go Duwn; Yuh nuh hear sey Ivan visit Jamdown. All di likkle picknie dem a comb di roadside, Carry bucket pon dem head an kotch it pon dem side. Di isle yah … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Hurricane: Ivan, Di Terrible
Written by: Donna Bailey Nurse Kerry Young was thrilled when she received an invitation to read at the Calabash Literary Festival in Jamaica late last month. After more than four decades living in Britain, she still calls Jamaica home. Pao, her first novel, inspired by her father, had been nominated for the 2012 Commonwealth Writers Prize. … Continue reading Jamaica and Calabash: The land of devoted offshore authors
By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Poetess Defy, Denise N. Fyffe Once there was a little boy Dean, Who grew to be quite mean; He thought, I am a Cat 4, I can test and blow down any door. He ran threw the Caribbean fast and hard, Creating devastation and ripping up yards. Little … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Hurricane, Little Boy Dean
Jamaica Pen Publishers 