You may write me down in history With your bitter, twisted lies, You may trod me in the very dirt But still, like dust, I'll rise. Does my sassiness upset you? Why are you beset with gloom? 'Cause I walk like I've got oil wells Pumping in my living room. Just like moons and like … Continue reading Still I Rise by Maya Angelou
Pretty women wonder where my secret lies. I'm not cute or built to suit a fashion model's size But when I start to tell them, They think I'm telling lies. I say, It's in the reach of my arms The span of my hips, The stride of my step, The curl of my lips. I'm … Continue reading Phenomenal Woman by Maya Angelou
via Happenings | A Literary Festival in Paradise. Jamaica’s rocky, arid south coast is refreshingly low on tourist traffic compared with the bustling north — which is just how fans of the beloved bohemian hideaway Jake’s Hotel like it. This weekend, 27 modern literary legends will descend upon the rural seaside town of Treasure Beach … Continue reading A Literary Festival in Paradise – Jamaica Calabash 2014
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust; this is the fate promised to all men and Maya Angelou has certainly, now preceded us to partake in this rite of the dead. She died at the age of 86 and the world awoke on May 28, 2014 to a very sad news indeed. Maya Angelou was probably … Continue reading Death of a Literary Giant – Maya Angelou – at 86
By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Poetess Defy, Denise N. Fyffe As a Jamaican ooman I would like to think, There is a Jamaican man who nah go mek mi boat sink. Him will tek mi by di hand and lead di way, An won’t run from di danger, him lef mi fi face. … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Di man for me
By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Poetess Defy, Denise N. Fyffe Negril, she is like a poison Slowly strangling my marriage, to Kingston; Her curves and twist, Like a belly dancers invitation; She lures me, Into her waiting embrace and succulent kisses. Negril, she is like a cobra’s venom Deadly; Whispering future promises, To … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Negril
By: Denise N. Fyffe. Copyright © 2012, Denise N. Fyffe Hurricane Sandy blew very strong Kicked up her skirts Backed slapped Jamaica with her right hand; Sandy trampled across the Pedro Keys, tapping her heels as she sashayed across the Caribbean Sea; She whipped up the waves onto the Caribbean Terrace back streets, She moved … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Hurricane Sandy (Dance Sandy dance)
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
Jamaica Pen Publishers 