Barbados Today

Romey you touched my very heart

With a smile.

So warm so kool,

That day we met at St Leonards school.

Under Deighton Griffith’s rule

We were both lads of 11

Separated by three months or so.

You skinny,

And I bony,

Exactly

Fifty-nine years ago!

We would sing at school

With Richard Stoute,

And also Jiggs Kirton,

Romel Marshall,

Jeffrey Brown,

And Mark Stoute

( For certain).

Desmond Weekes

Had a sweet voice

And would also join in.

But surprise of surprise

Big Darcy Beckles

Could really sing.

They were others there at school

Who could make a note swing.

None of us knew

Ugly Grynner

Would turn out to a KING!

We left school

Bright and smart.

Let me make this clear

We learned in St. Leonard’s walls

With teachers

from Combermere!

We went to school

From one to five.

Others

From nine tuh three.

Dat one tuh five

Allowed

Waterford Bottom

To come down

And teach we.

We both sought

employment early.

I headed for the sea

You opted for the land.

With success at

COLE’S PRINTERY

We both bought bikes.

But yours was always in pristine condition.

No rain or mud

Could dare alter the prime

Of its condition.

I remember one day the rain was heavy,

The scene was outta sight,

You lifted your transportation saying……..

‘Dah mud can’t touch my bike’!

You were always

The best dressed boy;

Richard Stoute

A close second place.

You walked with comb,

And brush,

And polish;

White powder

Fuh you face.

A part in your head

Was never absent.

In school in those old days

You won the prize

For best Attendance.

You were great

In so many ways.

While I enjoyed my dialect

Your english was Plue Perfect!

Your never had one dog ear

Your manners were Gigantic!

It was you

Who

Encouraged me

To join de Calypso Fray.

You went head on

In sixty three.

Sixty five

I made my play.

When I look back now,

I admit

We must have been so crazy,

Or brave and bold.

A teen of

Fifteen was all of your age

Great Romey!

We rubbed shoulders

With an icon

Like Sir Don

And Sugar too!

Charmer,

Lord Sivers,

And of course

Dragon

Was in de brew.

We headed for Westbury Road

To date Pat and Cecily –

Two cousins

Who Gabby and Romey

Loved,

Cherished,

And marry!

You gave me my first ever suit

To sing in competition.

When the results

Came back that night

I first

You in second Position!

To tell de trute Romey,

Your face dat night

Didn’t look too cute.

You cried and say

I didn’t beat You

You lost to your own Suit!

Next morning early

You came by me

Apologised purfusely

De smile and hug you gave me

Stays with me eternally.

We built Battleground Tent together –

You

Sir Don,

And Viper,

Herring,

Dragon,

Serenader,

Destroyer,

And Grynner.

Madd,

With Eric Lewis leading

Made de shows so tight.

Classic and Pawn,

Gorgie and Cubba,

Brekin down de place

Evva night.

Yes Serrie

Is an original Battleground man fuh true.

Another surprise

Open wunna eyes

Adonijah too!

Every morning

Charlie

You would send me

Inspiration,

Whatsapp messages galore

Most for meditation.

You refused to let your sickness

Break your bubbly Spirit.

You the cheerful giver

Made sure you gave me All of it.

Now Charlie

Your journey on this earth

Has been complete.

Just like most artistes

Some of it bitter

And some sweet.

But your friendship and advice

Was PRECIOUS

I Can’t Deny.

It is so PRICELESS

I’LL OWE YOU

UNTIL THE DAY I DIE!

Rest in Peace(your favourite word) my dear brother.

I love you and will always miss you.

Written by

Dr Anthony Gabby Carter