JA' GOT THE LOVE

It wasn't the weed that blew my mind but drinking tap water straight from the tap. I had a marathon to prepare for and nourishment was my first priority. The first time I filled up my water bottle I hesitated but once I surrendered the taste was so good. NYC tap water could never live up to this naturally. 

Not only was I consuming the fresh mineral water but also consumed by the bright Caribbean Sea from where I sat on the beach. The colors in community are bold as so Jamaican people. Its like the chicken and the egg; did the color of the buildings inspire the people or did the inspired people color the buildings?

A local says this land is pirate country and the hustle is a way of life. It takes a day to get use to the pushers and dealers that act like a long lost friend when first meeting you. 

After the second and third day the regulars lay off once you learn the "I'm good mon-- We all good mon-- 'tings alright" lingo, meaning "I'm not interested". The all-inclusive resorts can have an appeal after your first day in town but for those who tough it out, will earn the respect of the locals.

As I sat melting under the sun, a shadow of a man casted above me speaking swiftly of misfortune and slinging a bracelet colored yellow, green, red and black on my wrist. He said,

      "Red is for one love,

      Yellow is for the sun,

      Green is for the herb we smoke,

      And black is cuz the people."

Jamaicans have a good sense at reading vibes. They know the moment you are scared, the moment you are in peace, and in trouble. It is like your emitting a sign above your head without say. In exchange I was called out many times for being a Rasta girl with the red leaf in my hair.

Walking down abandon pathways surrounded by shacked barns, I danced with roosters leveled with my knee. The taxis honked but never paused because my spirit remained entangled with being outside. When I go back I'll follow the rainbow from the sea into the mountains. They call it the 'country' where the rivers, shade, and weed grows in abundance. The sacred center of the island holds strings on the locals who are proud to have not ventured far away.

Unapologetic or honest are the words that come to mind when I think of Jamaica, I thought if I had a business here it would be called "No Mercy".  The choices you make reap the life you create. You can live under the sun on a island or in a westernized society. Either way RESPECT others and they will unto.