Funom Makama Poet Ode

Notes About The Poem

This is an ode about Jamaica. It is the first Caribbean Nation to gain independence in 1962 (lines 3-5). In 1988, it became the first tropical country to enter a winter Olympic event (lines 6-7). It has historically not been afraid to go against the grain politically and its stance on apartheid and racism solidifies its commitment to human rights and the philosophy of international morality (lines 8, 9 & 11). It is the birth place of the Rastafari – an Afro-Caribbean spiritual and political movement, based on the teachings of Marcus Mosiah Garvey (line 10). The stunning Blue Mountains in Jamaica are named for the mist that covers them (line 12). It is prone to hurricane damages (lines 13-14). Obeahism is a form of voodoo that is still practiced on the Island (line 16).

Middle-Belt Star In the Americas

A stop route of west African slave trade
passing through gradual conversion from an escape center
to a beautiful republic cemented in the ninety-sixties,
to pride as the first nation in the middle of the Americas
and to become an independent political and economic entity.

The first among the ‘warm-climated’ group
to participate in the ‘cold climated’ games.
It has grown wings to have so much political will
and becoming humanity’s chief servant in fighting for the globally marginalized.
So greatly influenced by the Afro-Caribbean spiritual salt,
giving value to the philosophy of international morality.

Beauty at its peak is flaunted through the Blue Mountains,
unfortunately in a land weak in the resistance
of nature’s dangerous waves of theft and anger.
Home to eight non-venomous snakes and great crimes;
obeahism lingering as the corridor to the inner mind;
are mixed segments of a growing star in the Caribbean
which is also the best place to see wild flora and fauna.

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