THE BEST OF ME
VOL IV
a tribute to friends
by STEPHEN SPENCE
INTRO As I begin to write this first poem, Of Volume number four. I’m sad to tell my readers, That they may not be anymore. Because time has changed, I have changed, I’m no longer the same me. And the great writer that I was, I can no longer be. So do enjoy this last book of mine. And please always remember. About me when u see poetry From January to December.
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TO YOU In this my last book, What I think I’ll do Is dedicate a poem To each one of you. The Encouragements, the Inspirations Those who helped me be, Such a master at this thing We call poetry. Because without you, None of this would be around And it is thanks to you all That my talent was found. So sit back and read, Find which one is for you. Because in each of the poems Hides a name or a clue‌
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I met them each at three different times Little was it known to me, That some of the best times I would have in my life Was when I was with these three. How did I end up with this group of girls? I Don’t know the answer, that’s true. But what I can tell you about them though Is that they are my lifetime crew. Each of them unique yet somehow they bond. It’s something you have to see. Oh by the way, did I mention Two of them are taller than me? Now our time together is up, As we all head different ways I’m sure that we’ll always meet up at home, Next time there are holidays.
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What can I say about this one? She is smart, talented and cool She’s the only one I didn’t hear from For five years, since primary school. But a great friend and companion Is what she has been to me, From the day we were reunited Till the end I’m sure she’ll be. And what about her best friend? She was in my sixth form class. And between the two of them They filled me in on the past. Now these two are like sisters, Alike in almost everyway But the things that makes them most alike Is the amount that they both say. Yes they have the ability To go on quite a lot. They even sometimes mention things That maybe they should not. They make it known I know it all, Not knowing they made that be. But what can I say, their like my sisters. We make a family. Yet without that special gift of speech. They would not be who they are. That’s why I like them and they like me. In heart we’ll never be far.
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Just as some of the others I am glad that I met this one Encouragement is what she gave me And it’s why I’m not yet done Just quit is what I told myself At one unknowing time. But to see how hard-working this girl was. To quit felt like a crime. So I pulled myself together I sat, and begun to write. All the brilliant ideas that were now Clearly in my sight. Our time together has ended, Friends I hope we will still be. Her name is hidden in this poem. Just look hard, Can’t you see?
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Akeisha my friend, today is your birthday 19 years old you are Today is your day to celebrate And to be a superstar I hope this is one of the best birthdays To ever come your way And this is my way of wishing you All the best on this, your special Day -10th May, 2006
You would not be able to stop Is what this girl tells me. When I told her I was ending My career in poetry. What a great supporter she has been For the last year and a half Good times you could have with her Smile sing dance and laugh. Yes a good friend she is And I hope that she stays As long as we both live To the end of our days. You make a difference to my life. Believe me it is true. Akeisha, darling, my good friend, I dedicate this one to you 6
Now this girl is amazing, amazing, She has talent, brains and looks. looks. She probably ca came off off the the pages Of one of God’s finest books. books. She is the perfect model, model, For any young achiever. achiever. She’ll take the person with the most doubt, doubt, And make them a believer. She knows not how much I look up to her And try to be as great. Probably she’s the reason why. why. Poetry became my fate. fate. So to this girl who I look up to. Thank you for being there. The closest I could get to a big sister sister. ter. I Love you, you showed you care.
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Now it wasn’t until recently one.. That I began to talk to this one Yet somehow I take to this girl fun.. And talking to her is fun before,, I knew her for a long time before close.. But we really were not close And An d now she’s one of the people That I talk to most. She’s gorgeous and sexy, Charming, and sweet. And for her to consider me a friend I take that as a treat. I hope our friendship blossoms, As time goes day by day. Some of you may know her, startss with a K. Her name start
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WARNING: THIS POEM IS NOT VIEWABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 17th 2006
WARNING: THIS POEM IS NOT VIEWABLE UNTIL SEPTEMBER 9th 2006
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For the boys! While dedicating poems to all these girls My boys I can’t forget Because u know they’re they’re always there When the girls make you you upset. upset. And let me tell you, you, a boy’s lime Is often needed by men Whether seventy years, fifty, fifty, Twenty, sixteen or ten Whether it’s watching sports while drinking, Or sweating some football Sitting down, talking nonsense Or liming at the mall. mall. Now to support support me in my writing, Now that really takes guts. guts. Because half the men out there Really think I am nuts. And to my supporting fellers fellers let me give you a cheer. Now let us go out and celebrate. celebrate. Let’s go drink a beer!
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Now how do I describe this one? An Angel is what comes to mind She is beautiful, talented, understanding. Really one of a kind. It is thanks to her that my poems Have reached Volume number four. And up to today, she continues to say. That I should still write more. Yes this girl, she inspires me She reaches a certain part That nobody else could get to. Directly through the heart. I do not know where I would be If she wasn’t by my side She believed in me when I did not No matter how bumpy the ride. So to Alexandra the beautiful, The Angel that made me be. This one’s for you with all my love. It’s thanks to you I’m me. 11
Now this is an emotional moment For me to write my last. All my dedications are complete I will reflect on the past. ‘The love of my life’ ‘Last words’ ‘The heart’ And ‘Just ask’ in volume one. Would you believe I was just starting? When I thought that I was almost done. Volume 2 came next, With ‘Head and Heart part 1 and then part 2’ ‘Our relationship’, ‘valentines’ And ‘move on’ to name a few. ‘No answer’ ‘friends’ and ‘friends move on’ No doubt, were some of my best. And I can’t forget my cricket ones. Especially: ‘The ultimate test’. Part 3 of ‘head and heart’ Is how I started volume three. And by doing that, what I did, Was complete that trilogy ‘The Chronicles from Within’ The poet fights mirror and mad. Also searching for his true love So his heart would not feel sad. 12
Then we have ‘Every Night’ ‘Forever or never’ and ‘Tale of a great’ About a living cricket legend. The words totaled 788. The last one in volume number three Carried a title ‘The End’ Which speaks of the last moments in secondary school. I dedicate to all of my friends. And as I wrap the last in volume four. Thank you and please don’t cry. Because it is you that made all this be. I love you, farewell and goodbye…
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I just want to say a special thanks to all those who supported me, encouraged, me and inspired me in any and every way possible. This is all for you. Thanks for being such good friends and I hope our friendship continues for the rest of our lives and beyond‌ Stephen Spence
Boys: Paul Sammy, and the Gustin Crew Che Bowen, Rolando Moreau an all those others who supported me. Girls: Kristin Bento, Cindy Daniel, Akeisha Mc Donald, Jacique Scott, Jeselle Bunsee, Nathania Maynard, Candace Da Silva, Sherron Gibbs, Dominique Eustace And last, but no way close to least, Alexandra Pantin
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