Jamaican Cradle Song

A green flash,
the guava sun dissolves into the sea.
I sink into my pillow-nest,
sated with jerk-lobster,
sweetened by mammy-apple,
and smashed on rum punch.

Waves pulsate, pound,
beneath my cottage's balcony.
Strains of Bob Marley mingle
with patois-sprinkled laughter.
Ganja and citronella linger,
tickle my nose with island incense.

The ceiling fan revolves lazily,
lacy mosquito mesh flutters
and teases my sun-toasted toes.
Iridescent feathers gleam,
coral and speckled shells
chink and chime.

Cobalt-blue shutters frame the full moon,
that shimmers on the surf,
reflects off ochre walls,
and paints my dreaming eyelids.
My reverie is rocked by calypso-soul music,
ska mon, one love.

Joan Huffman©01/27/2006