Nostalgia of Childhood in Jamaica

Thoughts of my homeland fill my mind

Thoughts of a happier innocent time

Of rides to Devon House on Sunday evenings

Eating their popular ice-cream and delicious pastries

Sunday morning beach trips to Rockfort and Harbour Head

My dad teaching my brother and I how to swim

My grandpa skillfully floating out in the deep

My mom’s love of stew peas, star apple and anything that’s sweet

My dad used to like standing up at the front gate

He’d strike up a conversation with whomever he hailed

They’d discuss politics or the topical issue of the day

Our dog — Gift would join in, barking and wagging his tail

My aunt visiting from Canada loaded with suitcases and warm hugs

My very first car was a sky blue VW Bug

Saturday night drive outs with Carol, Jackie & Denise

To Tastee in New Kingston and sometimes KFC

Our dad would take us to watch the Independence Gala celebration

He’d drive up to Tucker Avenue so we could watch the parade

I remember the annual Speech and Festival song competition

And the winning song being played on the radio all day

These are fun times that I remember, and which causes me to smile

I store them in my mind and rewind them many a time

These days may be long gone but they’re not forgotten

They are my cherished memories that were a taste of heaven

Written by: Carla L. Ibanzo

That’s it folks. Thanks for reading. I welcome your feedback and comments. Cheers!

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