Rio Grande
JAMAICA | Wednesday, 27 May 2015 | Views [53] | Scholarship Entry
I live only a few kilometers from the great Rio Grande River but never had the opportunity to visit it until my later teenage years. Tales of the great maroons who escaped British captivity and now reside by the riverside did not scare me. However, when coupled with the idea that these spirits ('duppy', as we would say in Jamaica) promised to take the lives of those who were not 'maroon enough' left me questioning if I was maroon enough. Luckily, I found out a few years after that my grandfather is a maroon which meant that I had maroon blood as well.
Finally, it was my opportunity to experience the water -which many had enjoyed- rushing against my body. The night before we left, I could not find the energy to sleep, I was too excited, awaiting the fun that a turn in the 'pages of the year’ would bring. To put things in prospective, I am from Portland, Jamaica, so I have experienced the pleasure of swimming in many rivers and seas. But this time was different; I was going to experience culture, my culture whilst having my back being washed by the maroons that would be happy to welcome a young maroon.
The sun awoke a new day, but not me; I was up already up letting everyone know that the day was here. We left early in the morning because we had quite a lot to do which meant that the bus would have to make two trips to ensure that everyone got there. Yes, I am from a BIG family! When we finally got there, I was stilled exited but chose not to enter the water first simply because the waves had me convinced that the maroons were either upset that we did not visit sooner or that it was their time to enjoy the water. I told my mother what I was thinking at the time and she jokingly said, "I am sure it is just a welcome home party they are having for us, maroons are very happy people". Feeling confident, I went into the water and to my surprise and great appreciation, the water carried me to the end of a stream. When I got there, a wind suddenly appeared as if it was careful orchestrated. Its whisper felt like an assurance, the voice of the maroons saying, 'welcome home, you are loved’. I was pleased, happy and proud. I made a promise, to never deny myself the opportunity to experience, the pleasure that comes from experiencing ones culture or the cultures of others.
Tags: 2015 Writing Scholarship
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