Louise Simone Bennett-Coverley or Miss Lou, OM, OJ, MBE (7 September 1919 – 26 July 2006), was a Jamaican poet, folklorist, writer, and educator. Writing and performing her poems in what was known as Jamaican Patois or Creole, she was instrumental in having this "dialect" of the people given literary recognition in its own right … Continue reading Jamaican Writers: Feature on Louise Bennett, Ms. Lou
INTERVIEW: A Chat with Louise Bennett (1992) Caribbean Writer Volume 12 - Lilieth Lejo Bailey Louise Bennett, a Jamaican folk poet and performer, has been instrumental in giving "voice" to the intellectual and cultural identities of the Jamaican peasantry. In using her art to record the life of ordinary Jamaicans, Louse Bennett has been recognized … Continue reading Jamaican Writers: A Chat with Louise Bennett (1992)
Dry-Foot Bwoy by Miss LouWha wrong wid Mary dry-foot bwoy?Dem gal got him fi mock,An when me meet him tarra nightDe bwoy gi me a shock!Me tell him seh him auntie anHim cousin dem sen howdyAn ask him how him getting awn.Him seh, 'Oh, jolley,jolleyl'Me start fi feel so sorry fiDe po bad-lucky soul,Me tink … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Dry-Foot Bwoy by Miss Lou
By: Louise Bennett Coverley Me glad fi see yuh come back, bwoy, But lawd, yuh let me dung Me shame a yuh so till all a Me proudness drop a grung. Yuh mean yuh go dah Merica An spen six whole mont deh, An come back not a piece better Dan how yuh did go … Continue reading No Lickle Twang
By: Louise Bennett Yuh se me trial now mah? Dat marga gal winjy Want put me eena kas-kas An big lian story She sen come call me toder day An wen ah goh me chile De whole fambly gader roun me Like I was kerosene ile Dem sey smaddy tell miss Terry An she tell … Continue reading Kas Kas by Louise Bennett
Colonization in Reverse - by Louise Bennett "Wat a joyful news, Miss Mattie I feel like me heart gwine burs Jamaica people colonizin Englan in reverse. By de hundred, by de tousan From country and from town, By de ship-load, by de plane-load Jamaica is Englan boun. Dem a pour out a Jamaica Everybody future … Continue reading Jamaican Poetry: Colonization in Reverse by Miss Lou
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
