Growing Up Jamaican
By A.T.Myrie
Growing up Jamaican
Der were many rules
First respect yuh parents
Next, nuh act di fool
Growing up Jamaican
Playing outside was di norm
Wi never have video games
So smaddy seh ‘dandy shandy”
And yuh know it was on
Growing up Jamaican
Pickney walk alone
Fi guh store or school
Cah di community protected dem
Just like dem own
Growing up Jamaican
Sunday dinner was king
Rice and peas with chicken
Wid carrot juice fi drink
Growing up Jamaican
Violence wasn’t new
But ooman and pickney
Felt safer and dat time
Still had plenty danger
Growing up Jamaican
Was a time fi treasure
Laughing wid yuh frens
Or running from yuh madda
Growing up Jamaican
What a people to be
We cus and fight
But wi dance and vibe
Come Friday night
Written@ October 31,2019
@10:30pm
@Oba Apt, Matsue Japan
