Islands of these Caribbean waters that sparkle in earth's orb,
Like a kaleidoscope of colours in an artistic display of genius.We hear
A malady of intoxicating melodies which exhilarates, thousands
Worshipping at the shrine of steel pan at the Savannah,
Their bodies swaying like coconut trees caught in the Carnival gale
Of Monday's cadence, that ascends to the frenzied climax
of Tuesday mas.
O Caribbean Sea! Your waters dance like a troupe of Best Village belles,
Choreographed by the infectious rhythms of the sea-nymph Calypso, in Arima
San Fernando, Chaguanas, Scarborough and Port of Spain, where
Like a deluge in the rainy season, the carnival fiesta erupts as Soufriere's rage
With a million dancing feet and a symphony of celebratory sound,
Calypso, the nymph with braided locks, and her accouterments
over the wet sea has flown,
Over the wet sea she has flown and
In these prancing masqueraders 'en morphed', Abundantly
From the cup of Bacchus wine is poured forth and
In the streets of Port of Spain Bacchanal is a river. At J'Ouvert
Dawn the Rosy-fingered takes Orion as lover,
As with heartsome glee, Euphrosyne watches, and Demeter
With her fair dreadlocks, crowned as royalty, seduces Iasion
In the hollowed green of the Savannah while
Like a mystic masseur Minshall marshals his mas,
and Mayhem follows.
ENOCH JOHN
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/trinidad-and-tobago-carnival/
