Dominica Cries. Marthalyn Warrington, the author of this poem begins by asking some interesting rhetorical questions. With every question the poem gets more intimate and gets the reader thinking about the present day situation as Dominica continues to cry. Dominica being the persona, wants to know why the children of her soil, is behaving as they are currently doing.
Warrington depicts the behaviour of the people, as slaves in captivity who needs to be set free. Dominica cries as she needs to be set free from the slave mentality of her people. This mentality has caused an increase in criminality both against locals and visitors alike.
The poem is unique in style and the author has used some good clichés to bring the message forward. “Lord of all nations far and wide help my people see” Dominica realizes that she’s helpless. She calls on God, hopes that he can make them understand. Understand the value of life, that they can use it to do positive things to end the bitterness. The poem is an excellent way of putting into writing the things that are negatively affecting us and the country.
The poem, Dominica Cries, can be seen below.
Some who have posted comments appear confused as to the identity of poet and critic. Marthalyn Warrington is the poet and Myra Bruno is the critic. I suspect that this confusion has arisen because of the DNO’s ambiguous title.
May I suggest that the title should read: A Critique by Myra Bruno of Marthalyn Warrington poem, “Dominica Cries”?
Correction: apostrophe “s” after Warrington in my last sentence.
I love the fact, that Dominica her self seems to be speaking – powerful insight to her suffering and pain
This poem reminded me of when I was growing up as a young boy.
Getting fresh trusted water from the river, playing sports, making sure you got to school on time, respecting your elders, smiling at the girl of your dreams, participating in National Culture, on the beach holidays, we could do without Facebook, Twitter, instagram, instead we went hunting birds, fishing, also, negatively, public toilets was an issue, medical care and getting a job after schooling was, and still remains a crisis. The island was and is still a beautiful nature, the people is what needs to be refurbished, and with God’s Blessings and guidance, Dominica will conquer all!
Job well done, Myra.
Beautiful job ……profound in its simplicity.
Great Piece!!!!!!!
When as an artist you speak on behalf of Dominica you are speaking on behalf of her people.
We really, really need to wake up from our slumber.
Good poem Myra. Dominica indeed is crying, soon I hope Her tears will be dried.
Leave Skerrit alone!
i dnt get the point
My heart ached reading this. There’s so much potential for Dominica. Hope it will not be too late when all decide to rise.
The poem fulfills the basic function of all art forms: that is to question and to speak out. It cannot be left as a once a year job for calypsonians. This is why Dominica desperately needs to nurture creative artists, be they poets, painters, playwrights, filmmakers, dancers or musicians.
We tend to confuse the creative arts with culture. Culture is collective; it is something we all share and with which we feel comfortable. Art is individualistic. By its very nature, it is different and potentially controversial.
Very true Sir
I would only add that in the relationship between Art and Culture
Art is a great expression of that collective entity we call “culture”
Good Job Myra!
Goog Job Myra!