Talk Di Tings Dem

Tings Dem Talk Di

An Anthology by Caribbean Elders

Edited by Courtney Conrad & Lola Oh

Tings Dem Talk Di

An Anthology by Caribbean Elders

Edited by Courtney Conrad & Lola Oh

Supported by Spread the Word and Entelechy Arts

First published in Great Britain in 2024 by Spread the Word.

Copyright © remains with the authors. Photographs copyright © Lola Oh.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted, in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording, or any information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission of the publisher.

The moral rights of the contributors to be identified as the authors of this work have been asserted in accordance with the Copyright Designs and Patents Act 1988.

ISBN 978 1999825461

Designed by Katrina Clark

Spread the Word

The Albany Douglas Way London

SE8 4AG

spreadtheword.org.uk

Talk Di Tings Dem is supported by funds awarded by the National Lottery Awards for All.

Spread the Word would like to thank Entelechy Arts and The Albany for their partnership in the project.

Preface

by Spread the Word

Spread the Word is delighted and honoured to be publishing the Talk Di Tings Dem anthology featuring the poems and stories of Caribbean elders from Entelechy Arts’ Meet Me at The Albany community.

The elders worked with the poet Courtney Conrad and poet and photographer, Lola Oh, whose wonderful portraits of the elders you can see in the anthology, to develop the anthology. They were involved in every step; from choosing the title and the cover image, to creating the work and selecting their pieces to into the anthology.

Talk Di Tings Dem raises and celebrates the voices and experiences of the elders which often go unheard. The print edition of the Anthology was launched at the 2024 Deptford Literature Festival with free copies available and, it is also available to read online on the Festival website (www.deptfordlitfest.com).

We would like to thank Courtney and Lola for creating space for the elders to explore, have conversations and be creative, Entelechy Arts for being such wonderful partners and, especially the elders for sharing their stories of migration and home, and creating such personal and resonant work.

We hope you enjoy reading it.

Ruth Harrison | Director Spread the Word

Introduction

Celebrating Caribbean Voices: A Journey of Poetry and Wisdom

We reflect with excitement on the incredible journey of facilitating poetry workshops with Caribbean elders in Deptford. These sessions, designed exclusively for celebrating and preserving the rich tapestry of unique stories, have been nothing short of transformative.

The eight sessions, each a unique exploration of themes like race, language, family, migration, and culture, have been a revelation. The depth and richness of the discussions and creative expressions that have emerged are a testament to the profound impact of giving space for these voices to be heard. The poems in this anthology are a mosaic contributing to the collective tale of a resilient and vibrant community.

To all the Caribbean elders who shared their stories and made these workshops a success, thank you for entrusting us with your narratives.

We are grateful to have been part of this poetic journey, and we look forward to the continued impact these stories will have on generations to come.

Here’s to poetry, storytelling, and the enduring spirit of Caribbean heritage!

Courtney Conrad & Lola Oh

Home is

by Una

mint leaves steeping in the pot as ginger biscuits wait for a bath. Orange tree bends towards the verandah gifting shade to Mama. Yutes’ foot bottom sore from climbing mango trees, blossoms sprinkle over their hair like lice. Coconut cracks against the concrete for jelly that gleams white like a tooth. Boom boxes blast oldies on dead-end streets. Sunday mornings feet stomp on the bridge towards church, shoes kissed by the dust on the road, white socks tickling ankles. Grannies double-check for prayer releases before we leave and when we return.

The Kitchen Table

by Una

after Carrie Mae Weems

Under the thin halo of light, I become my mother’s shadow. Mama lives in the gaze of her reflection, cheeks cast in a ruby sheen. Daddy said I was too young to be acting grown, but reflected in that glass I am transformed. A glare of red across the lip, dark kohl on eyelids. Even now, in the dusk of the kitchen, the truth is evident age gets us all.

Rosaline

Beach Trip to Brighton

by Rosaline Muirhead

Back home the beach was a stone’s throw away. Crystal blue waters and scorched sand forced our feet to play hopscotch. We did not skip across to England like smooth pebbles, we landed hard like boulders. I remember our first trip to Brighton Beach, pebble stones for sand. The sun crashed its way through clouds and blessed our faces. We left the bus like children on a school trip. Hands full and backs lugging buffet meals and drinks: curry chicken, rice and peas, rum cake and punch. We sat in crooked rows before the shoreline. Here, the waters weren’t the only things frigid. We came in like a tsunami, ready to dip our toes but ended up chasing away white families frolicking in the water. How foolish of my friends and I to think we could taste home once our eyes had set on open waters. White heads turned, and their faces looked as though they had been stung by jellyfish. No extension of manners. How can we encroach on land that is now ours too? We are no illegal species. Nor your beach cleaners. We too are here to find joy.

Praise Be

by Rita

Glory, sing to the Almighty for the seasons: Spring / Summer

shower blessings like leaves leaving trees.

Peeping daffodils and hyacinths sway

to say hello to each day.

Daring us never to give up.

Praise be to God.

Life

by Yvonne Campbell

It is a glorious feeling to know that what has no price to man or beast are the surroundings of nature, for the Lord gave all that was and is needed, to be humble and love your fellow man. The early morning gives the dew that starts a new day. With bare feet, I walk through the moist grass feeling the spongy sensation of freedom from feet to the soul.

Jamaica

by Yvonne Campbell

“Xaymaca”, land of wood and water. The birthplace of I for which I no longer.

I close my eyes and look over yonder and what do I see?

I see Blue Mountains shimmering under the blazing sun showing its mightiest glory. I see a Jaybird hovering gracefully over a pimento tree.

I see Grandma out a door a chase di goat fi milk it and Grandpa ina him rocking chair pan di

veranda with the widest grin pan him face an not a teet inna him mouth. But you know life it so sweet

Xaymaca, land of wood and water. The birthplace of I for which I no longer.

Just A Dream

by Rita

after Sam Selvon

By the Thames River a profound realization

makes a woman think better of herself, as if she can draw apart from the hustle and just live great. A dream she had of herself, for herself.

L

to R - Courtney Conrad, Rita, Yvonne Campbell, Jeanie Gardner, Pauline W, Lola Oh

Paradise

by Pauline W

after Roger Robinson

And if I speak of Paradise, I speak of my retirement.

Relaxation breathes new life into me. My Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ gives me rest, that I know. I dwell in the house of the Lord, raising praises up like balloons that wiggle towards the sky.

Pauline

Glory Be to My Father

by Pauline W

Praise God for each day’s strength, energy raining down allowing me to do the little things. My offspring, and theirs; and theirs are shining stars, who are always with me no matter if they are near or far. Fish with rice and peas enlarges my belly. My granddaughter nourishes me when I’m ill. Joy comes and goes and so does sorrow. I suppose that goes for us all.

Praise my garden for fresh air as I trim my rose bush, and pluck my rosemary and sage. Ants and worms play by the foot of my apple tree. Like them, I like to be active. I cook and bake for me and my family to enjoy. I used to be a cook by trade, still blessed with a little talent. Amen.

Irish Stew

by Jeanie Gardner

One train to cooking class.

Dressed in my black and white uniform. Mama said children fi learn tings di proper way. The bowl of seasoned beef spinner dumplings, chopped carrot, irish potatoes awaits the coal pot.

I tried to bring Guyana, to England, but the customs officer confiscated my dutch pot set. Now, my daughter stuck tasting a wish-washy Irish Stew.

Off to the Sea

by Jeanie Gardner

If I’m dreaming, let it be of the fruit trees stretched across the garden, the smell of paw paw on our fingertips; pineapple juice dripping down our wrists.

Come August, we trek back home for island heat; cook snapper and sea bream pon coal pot. Here our bodies move like water, suh wi tek time wid ourselves and one another.

Jeanie

About the Poets and Contributors

Courtney Conrad is a Jamaican poet. Her work explores migration, religion, family and womanhood. Her debut pamphlet I Am Evidence is published by Bloodaxe Books. She is a winner of the Eric Gregory Award, Michael Marks Award, Bridport Prize Young Writers Award and Mslexia Women’s Pamphlet Prize. She is widely published.

courtneyconradpoet.com

courtneyconrad_

@courtneyconradpoetry

Lola Oh is a Black British poet and photographer. Lola uses her work to explore family, loss, and blackness. Lola is an alumni of the Roundhouse Poetry Collective, Griots Well and Barbican Young Poets.

lolaoh.com

@_lolxoh

Rita , Trinidadian-born. Rita came to England in the 60s, where she was able to build a life for herself.

Yvonne Campbell, Jamaican-born, spent her impressionable years with her Grandmother in Portland. Arrived in England in the 60s, where she eventually became a teacher.

Rosaline Muirhead , Jamaican-born. Arrived in England in the 60s. She worked as a Children’s Home Foster Carer which was very rewarding.

Pauline W , Jamaican-born, arrived in London in the 60s. She worked as a chef. She’s been through a lot but she’s still standing!

Jeanie Gardner, Guyana-born, in a family of 6 siblings. Arrived in London in the 60s and worked as a chartered accountant.

Una, a tower of strength who has overcome many challenges in life. She enjoys her self-awareness and positive thinking.

Acknowledgements

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the contributors who worked effortlessly to write their poems about their experience: Jeanie Gardner, Pauline W, Rita, Rosaline Muirhead, Una and Yvonne Campbell.

We are also grateful to the following organisations that hosted these workshops whose invaluable contributions made this poetry anthology possible: Spread the Word, Entelechy Arts and The Albany.

We would also like to thank the National Lottery Awards for All for funding this project.

Special thanks to Ruth, Roxanna, Sophie, and Emily for their dedication throughout this project. We are immensely grateful for their passion and commitment. Thanks also to Katrina Clark for designing this booklet.

Yvonne Campbell - I would like to acknowledge my daughters Chanel & Janet for their continuous support through my journey of poetry writing and now my two Grandsons Jayden & Israel.

Rosaline Muirhead - I would like to acknowledge my children and grandchildren.

Jeanie Gardner - I wanted to thank my GP and my Priest who have been extremely good to me. There are so many other people I’m thankful to – too many to mention!

Pauline W - Thank you to the whole team at the Albany.

May your good work continue for many years.

Rita - I would like to acknowledge Una. She helped build trust when there was little confidence to trust anyone.

About Spread the Word

About Spread the Word

Spread the Word is a literature charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. Our work is focused on engaging Black, Asian, Global Majority, deaf and disabled, LGBTQ+, working class and low-income writers, and young people.

We find new ways of using creative writing and reading to engage communities through programmes co-produced in partnership with diverse writers, local organisations and libraries. We run inclusive creative writing programmes and offer practical ways for writers to get their work into the world. We discover Londoners who love words, nurturing those who want to write, read and share stories.

We have been growing the work we deliver in our home borough of Lewisham including the annual Deptford Literature Festival and community projects with Youth First, Entelechy Arts, Triangle LGBTQ+ Centre amongst others. We have a big bold vision to have Lewisham named the UK’s first Borough of Literature.

spreadtheword.org.uk

@STWevents

@spreadthewordwriters

@spreadthewordwriters

About Entelechy Arts

Entelechy Arts, a charity based in Lewisham, South-East London, produces vibrant cultural programmes at the nexus of art, care, wellbeing and community. We believe in the creative power of the individual, and that everyone should have the opportunity to contribute to the creative life of their local community. Our programs, crafted by and for the communities we serve, cater to isolated older individuals, people with profound disabilities, and residents of care homes. Through these projects, we enable participants to assume active and visible roles in the creative life of their communities. By amplifying the voices and experiences of marginalised groups, we foster inclusivity and challenge societal perceptions. Collaborating closely with partners across the arts, health, and care sectors, our work facilitates opportunities to meet, celebrate, and experience each other and the world.

entelechyarts.org

EntelechyArts

entelechyarts

entelechyarts

Contact Us

If you would like to find out more about the Talk Di Tings Dem project and contributors, please email:

Ruth Harrison | Director ruth@spreadtheword.org.uk

spreadtheword.org.uk

@STWevents

@spreadthewordwriters

@spreadthewordwriters

Talk Di Tings Dem is an anthology of work created by Caribbean Elders from Entelechy Arts’ Meet Me at The Albany community working with the poet Courtney Conrad and poet and photographer Lola Oh. It raises and celebrates the voices of the elders which often go unheard.

In the act of sharing their stories, the elders transformed into more than mere storytellers; they evolved into cultural custodians, imparting wisdom and experiences to future generations.

The Talk Di Tings Dem Anthology was launched at Spread the Word’s Deptford Literature Festival 2024 and is also available online.

We hope you enjoy reading it.

Cover image © peeterv