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For Christopher Higgins

Man, you grab my mind, took to me the mountainside
Of ageless mystery
Bogeyman and taboo enforcer
Lord, I am no myth breaker,
Brother swing song this child across the page
Of dark nights howling our history
The Rollin' Calf comes for Christmas
And the butchers trembling
Like banana leaves better have salt to throw
Or stones
One for the before
One for the beside
One over the head
But don't let go
I have walked there to
Where the black puss cross your path
And if you know not the Shepherd or his Psalm
Turn back, this red sea won't divide
Pharoah's magicians has centuries on their side
Brother, that was king's palace
The place of the well-to-do
Who park the car far away, on foot coming
Bag of white fowl over shoulder
Little goat in crocus bag
The obeahman, myal man, bush preacher
Healer man, poco woman wants more
Brother, how you invoke
Dark deeds of dark nights
Little boys shaking in fright
Of pure belief
The beggining of awe is worship
The one ship that always sail
Despite prohibition and class barriers
Despite skin color and education
Smile when you pass the cotton tree
Smile and respect the obeahman.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2009




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Date: 3/15/2009 10:11:00 AM
Shango, Christopher is truly a man of great wisdom and words. This inspirational verse is a wonderful way to honor his talent by using your own! Love, Carolyn
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Date: 3/14/2009 10:43:00 PM
i would have to agree on that too... very well written... he is who he is!! loved how it all flowed so well!! and thank you... ~ Arany
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Date: 3/14/2009 7:56:00 PM
Wonderful tribute! This has so much hope and so much life in it. Beautiful! Smiles from Lolita
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Date: 3/14/2009 5:27:00 PM
What a fitting and brilliant tribute to the man we all love, Mr. Chris - amazing poetry from your homeland - your pride and the sweet Jamaican sun shines through, love, Kristin
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Date: 3/14/2009 3:54:00 PM
I going to smile and respect you and your mighty words...this poem puts my obeah man poem to shame..LOL..I am glad that you took me down this path..many things forgotten from childhood revisited in this poem.. you are an awesome writer friend.. this will go in my faves and so will you..nuff respect yardman.
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