L'Nass Shango Poet Verse

Tribute To Bob Marley

Did you ever Roberto Nesto … the reggae maestro
Decorating rocks in the ghetto … children’s falsetto
Rising for liberation from tenures of poverty
Logwood lit from the shredded ash of ganja smoke
Rising to rinse the heart of woe … the clarity
Of things about his ragged ghetto … father broke
Love pregnant on cornmeal porridge … don’t cry
O woman, don’t cry, memory in music exploding
And now the world will dance to marijuana high
Dreams rocking, shooting, looting the tenors meaning
We were left nothing, now watching mainstream sings
Tributes to us for gifts of culture and the game: 
The balladeer circles the sun on broken wings
Oh he made melodies out of the ghetto’s shame.

(Sorry folks, I could not resist the temptation, the rebel I am, to explode High cultural 
traditions and provide a door for the  people to celebrate from street and ghetto their own - 
since none of the classical masters means anything in the pop world. Robert "Bob" Nesta 
Marley OM ... February 6, 1945 – May 11, 1981 ... was a Jamaican singer-songwriter and 
musician. He was the lead singer, songwriter and guitarist for the ska, rocksteady and 
reggae bands: The Wailers (1964 – 1974) and Bob Marley & the Wailers (1974 – 1981). 
Marley remains the most widely known and revered performer of reggae music, and is 
credited for helping spread Jamaican music to the worldwide audience. "No Woman Nuh Cry" 
is rated a classic by many musicologists.)

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Earle Brown June 29, 2010 at 11:52 PM I can smell that ganja swoke. Thanks for to tribute to one of music's great. You take me home.

Raul Moreno April 29, 2009 at 11:49 AM Congrats on your win in the contest...Raul

Trudy Diane Rider April 29, 2009 at 8:39 AM Congratulations on your win in Brians contest! Wonderful poem L'nass! ~Trudy

Carrie Richards April 29, 2009 at 6:30 AM I was just listening to some wonderful Bob Marley over the weekend, and first thing I thought of was your poem......how perfectly you brought his music to life with your words! So well deserving a win in this contest....I will always associate your poem when I hear the wonderful music from no on! Congratulations L'nass!!!

Kristin Reynolds April 29, 2009 at 1:43 AM L'nass, I am so sorry to have missed this brilliant tribute to my hero, Bob Marley. he shares a birthday with my beloved and missed Grandmother - they were both fighting spirits of the highest (sorry, could not resist the pun) regard. Haile Selassie I, Jah RastafarI, peace be with you brother, always, the fight lives on through peace and love. love, Kristin

Brian Strand April 29, 2009 at 12:28 AM Congrats on your success in my Fanfare contest L'nass my latest contest Pentecost Praise is now open.Rgds Brian .If you can advise me a forwarding address via Soupmail I will forward your prize L'nass.

Debbie Guzzi April 23, 2009 at 12:11 PM Yes, a master of pain, a walkin wound mournin, Rick james is a joy but only 2nd fiddle to Marley! And who could be anything but sweet on the ghanja? Light & Love

Ernilando Tugaff April 22, 2009 at 1:29 AM Hi! This is an incredible and amazing piece of art. It's like a dripping honey bee flowing into the heart. Keep on postig. Ernilando

Vince Suzadail Jr. April 21, 2009 at 7:26 AM Bob Marley was a courageous individual who spoke out about social injustice in his music. He was the Bob Dylan of Jamaica, a troubadour whose music became more appreciated after his death. We need more Bob Marleys in this world and less garbage mouth musicians. Nice tribute. Vince

Colin Mitchell Williams April 18, 2009 at 10:30 AM One world. One love.... One Heart... the man was a poet and a prophet... sorely missed. Bob Marley. Favorite of mine "Redemption Songs" .... cool tribute L'nass ( I have all the albums ) :)

Arany P. April 17, 2009 at 4:24 AM i think he is one of my father's fav ... as in i know Boney M is his all time fav ... but then there is everyone else ... he seems to like african ... jamaican music ... he would really like this writing more... cause he would actually know ... but i do love the lines ... you just write so well ... your so expressive about your thoughts! best wishes, L'nass! ~ Arany

Aleera De La Keur April 16, 2009 at 5:08 PM I love Bob Marley, and this is a wonderful tribute, if only people could believe the way he did. Thank you for the comments about my stepdaughter Zyiesha, even though her father and I are no longer together, I still love my little girl She's 10, and so sweet she calls me "Mommy Aleera", its so sweet, so thank you.....Aleera

Brian Strand April 16, 2009 at 6:11 AM Thank you for suporting my contest L'nass.Rgds Brian

Brian Anderson April 16, 2009 at 4:44 AM marley is the king indeed but you ,my dear, are defintely queen. you continue to set the bar.

Christopher Higgins April 16, 2009 at 4:34 AM Incredible piece of art...words dripping like magic and singing song of praise to the king..well done.

Barbara Gorelick April 15, 2009 at 7:23 PM I started listening to Bob Marley when my boys were teenagers..I wouldnt let them know but I really liked it. ( I still have a poster)..This is terrific and brought back memories.

Sharon Winter April 15, 2009 at 6:55 PM Awesome choice. Do not know anyone who does not love Bob Marley. Hearing that reggae beat in my head as I read your poem. I'm hearing it now as I write my comment. Your tribute is raw and pure. Truthful and beautiful. Love, Shar

Carrie Richards April 15, 2009 at 4:24 PM You picked the awesome music of Bob Marley for your poem.....that is so terrific!! His music is from the heart, brings color and magic and beat & ryhthm to people of all walks of life!! I for one, need all kinds of music to satisfy my own pleasure! Great pick, L'nass...great poetry!! ~ love, Carrie

Charmaine Chircop April 15, 2009 at 4:03 PM you are a good rebel;-) and cheers to BOB MARLEY,though i was born in 1977,im a great fan of him,his voice and songs are magical and from him only we accept-NO woman nuh cry;-),bravo,YOU and BOB-CHEERS,you re in the mood of writing and im in the mood of reading my talented friend -charma

Carolyn Devonshire April 15, 2009 at 3:50 PM Enticing and vividly descriptive poetry, Shango. As for your note at the end, people in all walks of life and on every income level can relate the the exhuberance you convey. Love it! Carolyn (Is a Part 2 coming?)