BARBADOS

BARBADOS

Barbados, My beautiful queen of the Caribbean Sea,

How your very name means so much to me.

From rum to the rotting chains, you've so much history,

“Little England” once shed tears from the Manchineel tree.

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The gentle caress of the warm sea on pure white sand,

Welcomes you to this jewel, a glittering sun kissed island.

Where innocence and raw passion dance hand in hand,

And nature sways in motion to the sweet soca band.

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“Keep everything just irie” this is the Bajan way,

Breathe in the fragrance of frangipani during a lazy day.

Then at night head off to Oistins so you can play,

Sample the seas harvest, whilst sipping on Mount Gay.

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The people of this paradise island nation love to share,

From freshly laundered schoolchildren who always smile and stare,

 The sultry shop girls with shining tresses and an haughty air.

To domino slamming taxi drivers, all vocal for a fare.

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 Cropover, the carnival where colours and costumes do shine,

Thumping beats and rhythm the excitement of the “Juk” and “wine”.

All the girls “Roll it” to the soca queen Alison Hinds,

Destination Spring Garden Highway, to jerk chicken so fine.

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Even from Gun Hill heights, the sea’s within easy reach,

The stunning beauty of Bottom Bay, to vibrant Accra beach.

Where local’s lunch, and the vendors with fresh coconuts beseech,

Young lads playing beach cricket, so eager to teach.

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Finally, the wonder of this gorgeous island I’m sure,

Will lead me to drink its coral filtered water so pure.

Scents of bougainvillea and hibiscus, people of pride, so demure,

From the rush and stress of England, Barbados is the cure.

Phil Hall     march 2012