Spooky Nights on the Island

By Beverly E. Dyer-Groves and Shanna M. Groves

Beverly E. Dyer-Groves, a native of Jamaica West Indies, has gathered these folklore stories from older relatives and friends. Most of the stories are told from immediate family members.

The Knock on the Door and Other Spooky Stories from the Island are true stories, but the writer uses some alias names for safeguard and protection.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jul 1, 2011
• ISBN: 9781456720391

Beverly E. Dyer-Groves

Beverly E. Dyer-Groves was born in Clarendon, Jamaica West Indies. She is a graduate of Moneague Teachers’ College in 1980 with a Teachers’ Certificate. She taught at the elementary school level for thirteen years before she migrated to Pontiac, Michigan. She once lived in Vancouver, British Columbia, visited Europe and has returned to her homeland on several occasions. Beverly graduated from Oakland Community College with two Associate Degrees. She continues to work on her Bachelor’s Degree in education at Baker College. She has three children, works as a substitute teacher and Certified Nursing Assistant. She also did some volunteer work at North Oakland Medical Center in Pontiac for several years. She hopes her first book of poetry will be enjoyed by readers of different ages and cultural backgrounds.

Book preview

Contents

Restless Nights

Christmas Celebration

He’s There

Ron’s First Time Seeing A Spirit

My Father’s Dream

Florry Saw A Ghost

Zelpha Heard Her Mom

My Sister

Liza Saw Her Daughter

I Remember

Rolling Calf

The Knock On The Door

Another Terrifying Moment

The Singing Bird

The Old Man And The Lizard

The Incredible Touch

My Brother’s Fright

Some Myths Caribbean People Believe

Islanders’ Beliefs

FOREWORD

As an elementary student, I was deeply inspired by my late principal, Edna L. Morris of Mocho Primary School, Clarendon, Jamaica West Indies. She taught the general subject areas at that time in the upper grades. She was an excellent teacher in singing folk music, playing the piano for the school, as well as for the church, and writing poetry. I remember her clearly as if it were yesterday.

The class performances over the years allowed us to enter the annual competition, which took place in the capital, Kingston. At the end of each performance, the class won many gold, silver and bronze medals. The school was highly recognized throughout the island.

My interest in writing was renewed five years ago in a creating writing class at Baker College, Auburn Hills, Michigan. In July, 2007, I entered a contest with one of my poems to The International Library of Poetry, and I was awarded the prestigious Editor’s Choice Award for the poem, Cherries. The award further motivated me to write two books of poetry, My Island The Land of Sunshine and I Am What I Am.

Two years ago, I was further inspired and motivated by my instructor and my editor, Margo La Gattuta to write a book of folklore pertaining to the island. I began to gather these stories from close family members and friends who were lively and alert to share their experiences and help revive memory of the Jamaican culture. Words are inadequate to describe the encouragement I had from my