“JUMBIE CORNER”

Shantyman Chant

Shantyman; I am a student of orality. So please, Chant of Taylors Pasture, Where they sing barracuda: Teach me your repertoire of shanties. The flames are rocking, As the breeze waltzes in, And the fireflies have gathered to listen. Sing of the suffering one, In Gingerland parish. Need of school uniforms, Great catch of kingfish. Immersed in pressure, She takes the brunt. Makes the evening meal, Seasoning grunt.

Chanted

Shantyman, Shantyman, Chant of the suffering one, Where there is mangrove and conch.

Sing, Charles Walters, Of the one sitting crying. Hoping her brother, Will be blest by marlin. Still she counts a blessing, Giving thanks for the neighbour. Bringing a few dollars, And a present of snapper.

Chanted

Shantyman, Shantyman, Chant of the struggling one, Where there is mangrove and conch.

In the last issue, I said the August piece was going to be about Carnival, but then I began to dig deeper into the shanty tradition and wrote the above. It's dedicated to Charles Walters, one of the great shantymen, a member of the Gingerland Gems.

©Natty Mark Samuels, 2023. African School