Portraits of a Head Tie: In Celebration and Recognition of the Caribbean Woman

By Ali Sandiford

In celebration and recognition Of the Caribbean woman

This collection of poems echoes recognition, respect and love of the Caribbean Woman.Women who have endured much and have selflessly participated in the development of the Caribbean region.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse UK
• Release date: Feb 24, 2012
• ISBN: 9781467000291

Ali Sandiford

Ali Sandiford wrote his first poem at the age of ten, while a pupil of St. Alban’s primary school in Weston, St. James, Barbados. This Caribbean man expresses his love for the unique culture of our region through his poetry. He is especially inspired by the language, moods and physical environment of the Islands This multitalented artist has been exposed to the theatre arts. He is also a choreographer and painter and has directed a number of productions for the stage. His other works includes the play “Stinking Missy” which was performed on the Barbadian stage and an anthology of poems “Echoes from the Land”

Book preview

Contents

The Author

Author’s Notes

RECOGNITION

My EXISTENCE . . . .

THROUGH STREAMS

To Forgotten Women

SEE!

LAMENT

Tribute To: The Fish Seller

WOUNDS!

LISTEN TO HER

Caribbean Woman

THE WORD IS OUT!

ART FORMED

THE Voice!

RESPECT

She Gives >>> . . .

PERSONAL BOND

Feminine BODIES

THESE ARE THE SINGERS!

Transported To The Sun

Woman’s Tongue! (Albizia lebbeck)

WOMEN MASK!

SAVE YUH SELF . . . AND DANCE!

RESOLUTE SERVICE . . .

Led To WORSHIP

SHADOWS, IN GLOWING LIGHT

PORTAITS . . . Of A Head Tie

REACH FOR THE STARS!

RAISE Yuh HANDS! . . . .

Nuff Respect!

THE SEED

Just For You!

Acknowledgement

The Author

Ali Sandiford wrote his first poem at the age of ten, while a pupil of St. Alban’s Primary School in Weston, St. James, Barbados. This Caribbean man expresses his love for the unique culture of our region through his poetry. He is especially inspired by the language, moods and physical environment of the Islands

This multitalented artist has been exposed to the theatre arts. He is also a choreographer and painter and has directed a number of productions for the stage. His other works include the play Stinking Missy which was performed on the Barbadian stage and an anthology of poems Echoes from the Land

Author’s Notes

An idea is just a thought. It comes in an instant. Unsuspected it comes upon me anywhere, anytime, stimulated by the immediate environment. The quality of an idea bears witness to the consciousness of life and light within one’s heart.

The idea for this collection of words came into being after observing an elderly woman travelling up Coggins hill in the parish of St. Joseph with a basket on her head. Her grace and elegant carriage humbled me; stirred my passion, arousing artistic fires which burned and brought new light, a depth of knowledge and deep appreciation for the contribution of women, in our society. She is the symbol of our survival.

And I thought . . .

The Caribbean woman has endured much. She actively participates in the development of these Islands in all areas of their progression. The Caribbean woman is the new woman who calmly sets the path for the development of women throughout the world, maintaining her grace, her femininity and her dignity above all that she endures. In all her hardship, loneliness, pain, suffering, discrimination and social segregation, she displays love, warmth and tolerance with humane kindness.

She takes on roles when men fail, especially in our homes.

Here many take on the role of both mother and father proving without doubt that the Caribbean woman is responsible with immeasurable strengths.

Yes! I have acknowledged. This is a special strength that she has developed over generations in order to maintain the race, driving us forward through faith, in hope of a better tomorrow, a brighter day. My thoughts expand and shed light in my reality… in the middle of my manhood, as I witness the many roles she plays.

The Caribbean woman is a true champion. She gives so much. She sacrifices tirelessly and contributes without acknowledgment. We must recognise this fact. She has given arduously, much more than we have given her, yet she continues to give sacrificially through love, physically, mentally, spiritually, economically, socially, culturally, politically and emotionally. She has contributed like a true warrior to the development of our region. Her contribution stretches beyond these islands.

As man! . . . I smiled in silence at the depth of my