Words and Images, two forms of poetry,
paired to express two different perspectives of the same subject


I selected 20 photographs and asked 5 poets to create a poetry inspired by each photograph. The result is a in depth look at Bahamian life and society. A big thank you for their wonderful and soulful work to Anishka King, Garth King. Obediah M. Smith, Oscar Fuentes and Zemi Holland


Hands

I smile with my hands
the history or our youths
the memories of days now gone and of the days still coming all of this exchanged with a kind and warm glance of the eyes, with a prolonged shake of the hands.
stories shared in silence.
The evidence of beauty revealed.

Biscayne Poet - Oscar Fuentes

*    *    *

Mr. Ward

Come to this place
Where ocean meets sky
Tranquil
Whispers
Dance across
The evening tide
Man and friend
Embrace this place
Walking with dignity
And ethereal grace
Freedom is our song
Burdens no more
I've travelled the world
I've toiled all my days
But today I stand here
In a peaceful gaze
Gentle breeze
Kiss me again
Shower me with
Your never ending love
My head I raise
As I look above
Whispers in the wind
My message to you
Come
Find me
Because
I am home

Anishka King

*    *    *

Pastel Rain

A Rainbow
of
Emotions
Painted in
Every drop
Puddles
Emulsified
Into Rivers
Running
Away
With
My
Sorrows
Your
Joys
Experiencing
Lives
Unknown
Pastel dreams
It seems
Flowing
Peacefully
In the rain

Anishka King

*    *    *

Water Boy

You stare
Into my eyes
I am not
What you see
I am not defined
By poverty
Child’s play
My freedom
My strength
Mysong
I
Live this life
Without remorse
Yes
I stand tall
With no despair
Because
Someday
I may not have to do this at all

Anishka King

*    *    *

Baptism

John the Baptist,
echoed here
echoed as well,
baptism of Christ
girl just baptized,
stands in for Jesus
and for the dove,
just out of what
the camera frames,
raucous seagulls
Sunday morning,
Junkanoo Beach
come to Jesus,
come to Christ,
seek salvation,
be baptized
come to Jesus
calls the preacher,
arms outstretched
calling all, calling us
to follow Jesus
in white, in water
come to Jesus
leave
renewed,
refreshed,
translated

© Obediah Michael Smith, 2017 

*    *    *

The Girl Dancing with the Sea

to what music does she dance
or with what music is she filled
girl six or seven in silhouette
upon the beach
seems to want to take off
to take flight
seems to want to leave earth
for the air, like seagull
or some such sea bird
oh, how happy to be alive
upon the beach
among the waves
were she to get going,
upon wings
were she able
to flap and to take off
as it seems she wishes
there would not be
one additional small footprint
left upon- added to
or pressed into soft sand
waves washing up though,
high upon the beach at high tide
wash even the prints
of crawling crabs away
how good the weather is today
compared with when
a hurricane comes and blows
and houses are battened up
and no one is out upon the beach
with arms outstretched
with mommy to run from
or mommy to run to
from play among the waves

© Obediah Michael Smith, 2017 

Using Format