Unforgettable Conversations of Trinidad and Tobago

By Myrna Kanneh

Today is a happy day for all the workers.
Today is payday!
I got up early to reach the bank before the crowd.
When I arrived at the bank, I met many of the workers.
All had happy smiles on their faces
Because we lived from paycheck to paycheck.

In a debut volume of poetry that reflects more than sixty years, Myrna Kanneh shares intriguing insight into some of her experiences growing up in Trinidad.

Myrna explores a variety of themes and subjects that include the informal coffee breaks at work, exorbitant wedding plans, a walk to Mount Saint Benedict, the courting days of a now ninety-six-year-old man, the conversations heard while riding the bus, an invitation to run for political office, an elderly woman’s birthday party, the diverse personalities of the various neighbors and friends, and many more caricatures based on memories from childhood to present. Her vivid depictions bring her experiences to life.

In this unique collection of free verse, a new voice in Trinidadian poetry shares lyrical insight into the conversations that surround daily life among certain segments of the society on this beautiful West Indian island.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Balboa Press
• Release date: Dec 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781982272272

Myrna Kanneh

Myrna Kanneh lives on the Caribbean islands of Trinidad and Tobago. She was born in eastern Trinidad and worked as a civil servant. The single mother of three and grandmother of five is a strong, spiritual woman who places God in everything. Unforgettable Conversations of Trinidad and Tobago is her first book.

Book preview

1. Coffee Break at the Office

Margaret, I am going for my coffee break.

Any messages, take them.

I shall deal with them on my return.

Oh, how I look forward to my coffee break!

Yes, Margaret? Did I not tell you to take any message for me?

What? Mr. Tim says he wants to see me about some documents?

Did you not tell him that I am on my coffee break?

What? He said that he cannot remember when last he had a coffee break?

OK, I am coming.

Now Margaret, I have spoken to Mr. Tim, so I am going on my coffee break.

As usual, take any messages for me.

Oh, how I look forward to my coffee break!

Hi Merle, Nice to see you.

How was your vacation?

I am happy to hear that you enjoyed yourself.

No, I shall not tell anyone; you can trust me!

What? Mr. Dickson has resigned and is going abroad?

I wonder who will get the post.

I hope it is not Mr. Tim because he is too troublesome.

Yes Margaret? What does Mr. Tim want now?

Did you not tell him that I am on my coffee break?

What? He asked how many coffee breaks do I have for the morning?

I am coming.

Bye Merle. The chitchat was so pleasant.

Coffee breaks are very relaxing.

Yes, Margaret, I am coming.

2. Michael’s New Daddy

Miss, Miss, I have a new daddy!

His name is Carl.

He come from town side to work in the government office here for two years.

He see Mammy and like she.

He say not to call him uncle, to call him Daddy.

He living by we.

My sister and I have to sleep in the dining room.

We only have one bed.

He does give Mammy money, and she does go to the market on Saturdays.

We does eat nice food on Sundays!

He buy a TV for we!

He will be coming to see you, Miss, and my sister teacher.

He say that during the holidays he will take us to Tobago.

After two years when he goes back to town side,

He say that he will carry all of we,

And he will fix Mammy teeth and marry she.

Mammy say she want her neighbors to come to the wedding.

He promise to send transport for them.

My sister and me will have our own bedroom and bed, he say,

And we will be going to town school.

And when we finish school, he would get good government jobs for