Winsome Miller-Rowe Poet Free verse

Thoughts of a Jamaican Christmas

THOUGHTS OF A JAMAICAN CHRISTMAS

I remember Christmas of yesteryear
Of John Canoe dancing with fife and drum
Horsehead would approach, it was scary but fun
And Scrippy scrappy looked like a real bum

Of Christmas breeze and Poinsettias red
Mixed with white Euphorbias in the flower bed
A visit to Nathans for cloth to make dresses
And drop curls all round my head for my tresses

I liked going downtown on Christmas Eve
Where the bustle of King Street was hard to believe
With balloons and horns, and pretty hats to choose
And noisy rattles to drive our parents to booze

Vendors lined the sidewalks their offerings laid bare
There were shouts for attention but nothing to fear
Next came a visit to Dixon’s Toy Shop
Where I didn’t want the choosing to stop.

Christmas Carols rang out through the air
Then at church the next morning with voices clear
Back home we were greeted with eggnog, and were free
To open our presents that were under the tree

At Christmas dinner our relatives we’d see
As the Miller clan gathered it was exiting for me
There was exchange of gifts and the joy of giving
It was really a great and wonderful feeling

The food was a spread of delectable flavors
Of turkey, rice and peas, sweet potato and lamb
Ackee and salt fish, roast beef, salad and ham
And I just can’t forget the Cranberry jam

The variety was great, too many to mention
And the carving of the turkey got everyone’s attention
But best of all was the sorrel, Christmas pudding or cake
Which gave us kids a chance to get tipsy or flake.                  

At night we brought out our starlights and clappers
The boys would light thunderbolts and we would run backwards
These memories are happy, in my mind they will stay
And I blend them with those we are experiencing today.



Winsome Miller-Rowe

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Beejadhur Sewumber January 8, 2018 at 5:04 PM I like the words choice for the poem. Jamaican President will be in my country on 1st February for the celebration of The abolition of slavery. Xmas is something we miss as it was different when we were children. Good write. Keep it up.

Sunlite Wanter November 19, 2017 at 6:50 PM I do love reading other folks' memories and how holidays were spent. This is so picturesque, and I hope you keep it as a heirloom for your family. Winsome Miller-Rowe November 19, 2017 at 7:21 PM Thank you so much Sunlite Wanter. As Christmas draws near These memories mean a lot to me.