Jamaica Is On My Mind Poem by Rue Palmer

Jamaica Is on My Mind

Jamaica is on my mind,
Not for its beaches, sun-kissed and kind,
Not for the rivers that gleam and wind,
But for the shadows where hope's confined.

Not for the reggae, the rhythm, the song,
But for the places where things go wrong,
Where whispers of fear grow ever strong,
And justice feels absent, unseen for long.

The mountains stand tall, the ocean roars,
But sorrow seeps through its vibrant shores,
In alleys and corners, behind closed doors,
A nation divided, a heart that wars.

For every sunrise painting the skies,
There's a mother who grieves, tears in her eyes.
For every laughter that joy belies,
There's a cry for peace that slowly dies.

Yet within the struggle, a fire remains,
A people resilient through losses and pains.
Though crime and violence have left their stains,
Jamaica still dreams of breaking the chains.

Oh, land of Marley, of heroes, of pride,
May love and unity be your guide.
From the darkest nights, let light abide,
Jamaica, rise—your soul cannot hide.


RP