Welcome to Jamaica, Maan! Bounty by the Seas!
The land of sand and dreams neath swaying trees,
Where you'll be gently rubbed with warm fragrant oils,
And sip fruity umbrella drinks in the cool breeze!
Later, when the sun winks and blows a kiss from Mars,
Some more umbrella drinks and Green Cigars!
During what Jamaicans call...Magic Hour! Maan!
We'll dance and sing, between the sea and stars!
Oh yes, my friend! Here, the tunes will make you swoon!
Neath sunlight fair, open air, or crescent moon!
I'd like to say, if you've got time to get away, Maan,
Then, I hope we'll be seeing you today, Maan!
On Friday nights we’d sneak into
the railyard and wait
in the shadows
between the floodlights for a train
slow enough for us to hop,
our hands already tingling
with the promise of flight.
We trotted beside the train,
waiting for the right moment
to grab a boxcar’s ladder
and climb to the roof like outlaws—
aware of the danger
and thrilled by it—
as the train gathered speed.
We jumped as it rounded the curve—
boots hitting gravel, hearts pounding—
but a voice barked out of the dark,
and then a dog, all teeth and fury,
came tearing toward us.
We bolted for the fence
without looking back.
We hit the chain-link fence at speed,
scrambled like fugitives—
I braced for asthma to take me
but my lungs opened wide,
no tightness, no fire, just breath
pure and clean, lifting me over
like I was born to run.
I landed laughing—
heart hammering, lungs still free—
and something in me shifted.
I had outrun fear, leapt past
the story that said I couldn’t—
and for the first time,
I believed it.
Memories smell
Sounds and flavors like the sea
Light flickers so bright.
there once was a cook kangaroo
who escaped an animal zoo
but her hopping baked gin
did fortunately win
head chef at a circus revue.
The freight train puffs a veil of smoke into the night.
The iron rails rumble.
Be still.
Now.
There it is, the engine's call, fading
To the distance.
Between shadows, a lean figure grips tight to the rolling steel,
His pack worn low on his back, and now he's gone
Wholly, into the night.
I stand alone by the coal yard, I do not dare speak
Or move.
I listen.
The train bends away into its own darkness,
And I lean toward mine.
squirrels hopping running
leaping bounds scurrying round
searching for some nuts
~
ripping and running
across the streets and grasses
speeding up a tree
~
squirrels hopping running
leaping bounds scurrying round
searching for some nuts
12/23/2023
Written words by James Edward Lee Sr. 2023©
Not Hopping
Some trainers in the BPO industry
Have worked in 20 or 30 different places
Brian met 2 or more such trainers
Both had worked in dozens of centres
Between a month’s training and years
Finally settling down to train others
Being Hoppers no more job to job
Instilling their skills info knowledge
With wisdom guidance mind set
It takes skill to be a trainer
And something else to excel
Getting the next generation ready
Reps support trainers OMs
Let me know
when you are leaving
for a day away
in Eleuthra
The Exuma Cays
Long Island
or The Berry Islands
so we can bask away
in some fun in the sun and sea
like pirates, mermaids and sailors
After election party-hopping is prohibited
Now come the complains and slanders
Gone the frog comes the toad
Bet is no more bet
Defeat is still far away to be admitted
Hustle and bustle carries on after election and sworn in
Maybe settle scores at an opportune moment
Maybe democracy is challenged
Where's justice
Maybe this is the new way of life
the robin hops and
glides over grasses early
morn waiting to part
head bobbing neck stretch
take of the wet silky worm
robin slurps worm up
6/11/22
Written words by James Edward Lee Sr. 2022©
As I turned in wonder, my shoe caught big
Stared at the tree who got me, possibly fig
Slid on my feet, lost a side of my wig
Imagination gave my heart a sharp dig
Where do puppies go at night on the howl?
Do the coyotes and wolves make fun of their bow?
My muse gave me a smile, and a classy meow.
I ran toward the moon, trying to regain my cow.
Creativity grabbed a hold and gave me a fast shake.
You are still sleeping, and I want you to be up, awake.
I had harsh words but kept them back for my own sake.
Now I am dancing, hip hopping to my sleep’s clever break.
As I turned in my slumber, a voice said hooray!
It is time to get up, greet a fine, happy Tuesday!
I was not ready yet, but I cannot fight the fey.
A faerie and three elves were coming my way.
Where do the children who cannot dream turn to now?
Do they know how to dazzle? Can we give them a wow?
I looked at the moon, where my muse was confronting the cow.
What can I do to help the world? It seems to be a big ow.
The Hopping Toad Nursery Rhyme
As I was walking down the road
I saw a lumpy, bumpy toad.
He looked to the left
And then the right
Then hopped his way back home alright,
Hop, hop, stop, hop,
Hop your way back home
Hop hop stop, hop,
Hop your way back home.
21st April 2021
After I tell you this, I want to know what you think.
Believe me, I haven't had anything to drink.
Here was the strangest thing I would ever see:
A large leporine creature sped past me.
"I'm late, I'm late" is what I heard him wail
as he went quickly hopping down a trail.
He was wearing a vest with a pocket watch chain.
So tell me: Do you think I'm insane?
~Geared for island-hop, boat's wheeldrive jams but spares us--from coming rainstorm
When Plans Don't Go to Plan Contest
For Silent One 8/25/2020
Jumping hopping twist twist twist
Run Run Run Splash Splash Splash
Mud puddle!
Wow!
Score!
Hi Mr. T and Mrs. W.
Happy day! Want a turn?
Jump Jump Jump Splash Splash Splash
Best day ever!
Rain on my birthday!
I cannot wait for my party.
We will jump all over these puddles
And make mud pies and throw them at the dog.
Come here Mr. Fluffy Pants!
Laugh Laugh Laugh
Best birthday ever!
Being five is great!
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