Memoirs of an ordinary Jamaican

I remember my dogs Rambo and Ninja.

I remember my dwarf coconut tree.

I remember memorizing and reciting every Louise Bennett poem I could get my hands on.

I remember the girl who stole my Louise Bennett "Jamaica Labrish" book.

I remember that my Aunt Maggie named her dog, "dog".

I remember my neighbour who would not mind her own business (may her soul rest in peace).

I remember playing in the school yard until my uniform turned brown.

I remember that my birthday parties turned into my parents' after 11 o'clock.

I remember that the sight of dentures made me laugh uncontrollably.

I remember my grandmother lovingly instructing me to "tidy" at night and not bathe to prevent catching a cold.

I remember my brothers' ripe banana sandwiches.

I remember when papaya was called paw-paw.

I remember when certain older relatives sent me to the shop to buy rum.

I remember tasting the rum.

I remember that every cold cereal was called "corn flakes", even the fruit loops.

I remember thinking Santa Cruz was the hottest place in the world and Kendal, Manchester the coldest.

I remember riding the train to Kendal, Manchester.

I remember crying as I watched my uncles kill a goat.

I remember eating the goat.

I remember the look my Mother would give me for talking in Church.

I remember being very disappointed when the photographer at the U.S Embassy told me not to smile for my visa picture.

I remember your popularity in school depended on how many "big boy" stories you knew.