Photographed by Tim Pannell
Father’s day is fast approaching and our thoughts are with the men in our lives. They are so easily taken for granted and misunderstood. The fathers, grandfathers and those who stand in the gap for non-biological children this coming Sunday let us celebrate and honor them.
The love of a father
Plays a vital role
Prominent spaces occupies
Everyday he competently leads
Powerful leverages
Masterful situation
Foster of positive feelings
In an instant
-
His love, generosity, playful nature
Is beautiful to see
Actions prompt followers – his children
Positive signals as he provides
He backed his children
A talent he nurtures
In a demanding life
Finely attuned
A father’s pride
-
Poem Written by Brenda L. McCartney
Photographed by M.V Adler
As our thoughts are with the women in our lives and we get ready to observe and honor mothers, motherhood and maternal bonds this coming Sunday let us celebrate those we love as we shall grow to bear a resemblance to them
The day compose of many moments unseen
The spark from her sting as the beauty of spring
Manors of consoling embraces
The stains and wrinkles of time remove
Her hug begrimed with nurture
Mesmerize with laughter
Millions of faucet smiles and tears pour
Scent of protection lounge
Sunlight of wisdom mentor
As moments fat with love gibbers
Rainbows fail in comparison to her beauty
Chill with endless sacrifice
Her pulse and thoughts beats fiercely
Her hands, bosoms feeds, hold even entice
-
Poem Written by Brenda L. McCartney
Recently I was wondering why after washing my daughter’s hair I never corks screw (Bantu knots or Zulu knots) her hair. For those of you who do not know what it is let me give you some more details. I recall between the years of 5-12 on Saturdays all the women and girls would wash their hair. They would always corkscrew my hair. Once it was dried they would unlock it and it made a lovely soft fluffy afro. It was possible that the corkscrews/bantu knots were used to squeeze the excess water from the hair, making it easier to manage. The afro always seemed to look better on people with courser hair as it could withstand any wind or even rain. By the way “The afro is a classic [hair] style that was popularized in the United States during the 1960′s and ’70′s.”
I went to a Caribbean conference last year and I saw an adult woman who actually wore her hair that way to go to work. My initial reaction was “oh no sister you do not leave the walls of your house with your hair looking like that.” I had a sudden prodigious appetite for gossip. As I was not able to talk to anyone in the conference the more I stared at her, the more I noticed that there was certain chemistry about it; it began to look as if it were a piece of art. Maybe it was the way she carried it off; with such elegance and her self expression. She converted me that afternoon because I left feeling that strength of expression of black hair as there was something earthbound about the corkscrews. The Corkscrews seemed as if it took on its own spirit with a cool vibe. 
Terraced corkscrew sculpt
Staggering thoughts cover her parts
Colonial impressions beat
Drummed European influence
Shackles
-
Focus equals feeling
Roots
The strength of her expression
Captures something from the soul
Earthbound spirits gaze
A serene presence
Poem written by Brenda L. McCartney
Today mothers in Gibraltar, Nigeria, Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom celebrate mother’s day. At the same time, the Anglican Province of the West Indies observes today as Mothering Sunday. The origin of Mothering Sunday dates back to the 16th century; on the fourth Sunday of Lent children would attend church with their mothers. A special day was created for women who were live-in servants to affluent families. On Mothering Sunday these women were allowed to go home from their jobs as servants or maids. In many homes, the housekeeper or cook would help the maids prepare cakes and bouquets of flowers from the garden to be presented to their mother upon their return. I believe that all mothers everywhere deserve to be honoured and not just today. Thank you all of the women who have mentored and influenced us in such special ways.
Incisive decisions beat
Eyes smile to the gentle rhythm
Tulip bosom expressive all season
Seraphic energy molds
those who spring from
and around you
Feathers of nurture
Spirit laps no cost
As your crescent shape cradles
We honor
-
Poem by Brenda L. McCartney
Photographed by Susan Koster
Have you ever looked at an elderly person’s face and it seemed to express and capture something from your soul? Looking at the picture above, a lady is wearing a scarf on her head. It is almost as if the way she wears the covering on her head is representative of her resilience. According to the Oxford reference dictionary elderly is defined as “somewhat old, a person pass middle age.”
The elderly often have an intensity on their face that transports you into their world. To me it is as if I would like to sit and relax as they recollect their childhood memories and reveal their stories of survival. Compatriot Journalist Rose Willock once said “the elderly tells us how to get on with and deal with adversities [of life and] teaches us to celebrate what is good and true about us a people.” For me the elderly represent refinement and are crucibles of our past.
Painted washes
Close up
Far off
Gives certain poise
Strong, Bold
The images; life and work
Illuminates like a red light bulb
Scaled up
A chronicled history
Woven into my world
-
Poem by Brenda L. McCartney
Today the Commonwealth of the Bahamas celebrates its thirty sixth year of independence from England. Today is a national holiday, and as it is a national holiday the people of the Bahamas celebrate. To paraphrase Carlene Brise in the book ‘Walk Tall.’ If our minds are free of self defeating thoughts we are free. If we refuse to treat ourselves as second classed citizens we are free. Let Independence stand for independence of mind heart and spirit. Let the fireworks the cookouts and the beach parties commemorate our regard ourselves and for all people. Today I celebrate with my husband and my daughter as Bahamian citizens. I am proud of my adoptive home country. Have a Happy Birthday Bahamas.
Photograph by Alison Hixon
As a child wrapped in prayer
Amidst the flowing waters
I hear exotic bird songs in the exquisite garden
Lighter than a million feathers
Mind-body unity
The most memorable season
Offers no greater delight
Unforgettable
Preserved, etched for posterity
The transformation
Smooth Synchronization
This moment, this place, you
I embrace
-
(LeAp- A collection of Poems by Brenda L McCartney)
I embraceAs a child wrapped in prayer
Amidst the flowing waters
I hear exotic birdsongs in the exquisite garden
Lighter than a million feathers
Mind-body unity
The most memorable season
Offers no greater delight
Unforgettable
Preserved, etched for posterity
The transformation
Smooth Synchronization
This moment, this place, you
I embrace
Soar and the world sees you
Sing and men will hear you
Rise and your followers are many
Dream and there will be plenty
-
Poem by Brenda L McCartney
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