Saturday Afternoon
a moment in time
Shwaackk!!
Dominoes, slapping hardwood.
“G’way, bwoy!”
Verbal jousting,
Good natured laughter.
*
Quieter,
Solemn adversaries
Square off,
Bottle cap checkers
Their weapon of choice.
*
Turn up
Beres on the radio.
“A fi mi chune dat!”
Impromptu slow wining
Under the mango tree.
*
Young girls
Skipping their ropes
“Mosquito one
Mosquito two
Mosquito jump on a hot callaloo”.
*
The boys
Draw circles in the dirt.
Some shooting marbles,
Others spin their gigs.
They all play for keeps.
*
Humming old-time songs,
Mama rocks her baby.
“Peel-head John Crow
Sit on the tree top.”
She sings so sweet the sun stands still.
--------------------------------
[Author's Note: This poem first appeared in the journal First Reads (St. Vincent, West Indies) in 2010).]
About the Creator
Randy Baker
Poet, author, essayist.
My Vocal "Top Stories":
* The Breakers Motel * 7 * Holding On * Til Death Do Us Part * The Fisherman
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Comments (3)
I've seen hints and clues but thought it was a fascination. I guess you grew up in Jamaica? Do you still live there? Excellent poem by the way. It took me there in the moment.
Great story. I enjoyed it thoroughly!
I want to start by saying that your poetry style is quite unique and intriguing. It's a pleasure to read your work. I'd like to formally introduce myself. I am Real Poetic, and I am the originator of creator hosted challenges here on Vocal. I currently have a poetry contest open for submission. There will be monetary prizes for all winners sent through Vocal as a tip. Here's the link to the contest if you'd like to participate. https://todaysurvey.shop/poets/year-2033%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3C/div%3E%3Cdiv class="css-w4qknv-Replies">