Cannot stay on this island
drenched in Koromanti blood
and song. Mus depart like a full lover,
forget sounds of mosquito
and dogs and brand new Kartel.
Duppy don’t migrate.
Leave the mangoes dem
ripening on trees,
bare chicken bones,
the sea’s tongue
lapping the shores of Black River,
cows’ startled bellows,
bougainvillea, blazing bright and wild.
Nuff ways to leave
yourself behind with no visa.
A brown-skinned girl
wiping the wet
under her heavy bosom,
full of rainwater and tears.
One sweaty shirt
drying on barbed wire fence.