Jamaica Story
How much louder must I cry out for you to feel the pain you have caused me?
This relationship is a hard one I don’t know how I manage it for so long
My body is filled with bruises and I can hardly keep the storm from destroying my foundation
In the west and the east they fight over me but I still try to remain faithful to each and everyone
Recently however I noticed that many of my broken bones will never mend to become one
These foreign substances you have allowed to exploit my body
For many years I have given the best of myself to you but not much good it has done
The highest bidder will come and my body will be owned by another foreign land
The children I bring into this world have turn their backs on me
My body is polluted,my blood is weak, I can barely make ends meet
Yet some of you throw stones at me when I can’t give you anything to eat
Why do you continue to abuse me when I have done you no wrong?
What if I decide to stop lending you my hands to keep your houses standing on firm land?
I am laying here always ready to give of myself to you
So much I have given my value is the next joke on your lips
As the plane tyres place dents in my back I reflect on the masters whip
My body is black and blue but my portrait will reflect black,green and gold
Isn’t it funny how my true story will never really be told?
I continue to shelter you from the storms approaching at sea
How much have you given to me?
I listen as you speak about the worse of me
Is there one out there who still has respect for me?
Will the abuse I feel continue daily?
Those who have taken up the role to protect my assets think only of themselves
The dirty bottles, the neglect, when so much of my treasure has not been unlocked yet
My name was once sweet on the lips
Spoken with such pride and admiration
I now bow my head low and wait for the next deadly blow
By Saccheen Laing