Bringing Carnival Home Poem by sookdeo manansingh manansingh

I am beginning to feel
the spirit of carnival
as I make my way through the savannah
to see the crowd dance
to the rhythm of drums
steelpan and tassa
as the big bands in their
colorful costumes
pass over the stage
the masqueraders through
the blazing sunlight
seems to escape from a cage

like an earthquake the loud music
on the big trucks
shake the earth
like snakes the ropes
separate the crowd
that no one may get hurt
the revelers of jouvert
return to the street
all in disguise
to display the shapes
of cultural differences
and draw the attention of the wise

to see the flags of many nations
wave side by side
in the twin island paradise
every creed and race
come together and not divide
what a spectacular performance
to witness the tribe and bliss
a once in a lifetime opportunity
no tourist in the world
would want to miss

bringing carnival home
is a tremendous joy
to experience once again
this is my motherland
my country of birth
for this marvelous art form
runs through my vein