I am the strongest

I am from soca music, danced hall and carnival

I am from the fish market,house keeper and the teacher.

I am from palm trees and rum flavours.

I am from swinging palm trees and dancing by the beach at night by the fire.

I am from the beach so clear and blue you can see the bottom.

Sunny days bright and yellow reaching out to touch you to fill you with warmth and glee.

I am from, streets at night so dark , a wash with coldness and blood.

Never the less

I am from hard-work and determination, so my kids don’t have to do what i had to do to survive

Not my kids

Not now

Not ever

I am from stealing away in the night, once for fun

Now for safety

I was from warm days

to cold frozen nights

i was from steam fish and dumplings

To English breakfast and cups of tea

I am from loud bangs like fireworks in the night that looks like the sun, and welcoming and could give you life.

But a crucial misjudgment , could snatch it all away.

That turns your day into a forever night.

I am from mama’s prayers that I didn’t want when I was younger

But I have grown to love them and need them as an adult.

I am from broken dishes and bloody fists with black eyes.i know its hard to see because of my skin tone, but black eyes became part of my uniform.

To

Burning like wild fire and rising above and out of the flames.

I am from running away and hiding, being scared wishing i was invisible

To

Standing tall and standing proud most importantly i am holding MY

MY GROUND

.