Mek Wi Talk: Jamaican Dialect Poems

By Isilda Clarke

These poems are written in the Jamaican dialect (patois). I choose to write dialect because it is a language that can grab the attention of just about anyone, if it is performed in the right context. I have always loved my culture and found it necessary for us not be ashamed of who we are, where we are from, and how we speak. I try to represent my culture well.

I was deeply inspired at a young age by the poetic icon, Mrs. Louise Bennett. My older sister, Ichael, came home from school one day with a copy of the book "Jamaican Labrish" by Louise Bennett. I felt good reading the poems. People were amazed at how well I could read and bring the language to life. This exposure ignited the gift in me as I began performing the poems at church and people could never get enough. I started developing my own writing at age 13.(/p)

Every Jamaican, from any class of life, can understand the language. Just like Ms. Lou, I intend to take the language all over the world with my book.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1091150567
• ISBN13: 9781091150560
• Release Date: April 2019
• Publisher: Independently Published
• Length: 100 Pages
• Weight: 0.28 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 5.5" x 8.5"