Jamaica

A beautiful country
Ocean so warm and blue
waves roll up and wash away sadness

forever
they will crash on white sand

we are only given a
secluded
glimpse
behind glass windows
and
sheltered
accommodations.

"no problem"
"yeah, mon"
they say with big smiles

the contrast of large black hands
reaching out to
his tiny white hands
connecting
with
"respect"

they dream of getting out
and moving to a "better" place
not the US
but Canada

they wash our linens and
throw away the scraps
leftover from a selfish gluttony of self-indulgence
yet must pay for their meals
out of their meagre pay

most are oblivious to the pain of the country
ordering free drinks and complaining about the stink of the
country's national dishes and delicacies
"this is gross" they say,
without trying,
as they gulp
rum and
fried foods made to soothe
north american egos

yet still they smile at us
as though we are better
because we live in those
better countries
where opportunities are overflowing
and poorness is obsolete
we represent a
better life
they believe


we bargain with the people as they persuade
a purchase
to
feed
and
look after their families
"you don't like my stuff?" they ask when we walk away with empty hands
they do not believe we are not rich
we
after all
come from
the "better" world of "dreams"
"how annoying" most of us say loudly and offensively,
yet they do not seem to take offense
they must move on to the
next
tourist
possibly wanting to bring home souvenirs
at dirt cheap prices

i feel bad and my vacation
is plagued by guilt

how can they smile so at us and
cater to
even the rudest people
why
don't they resent
the waste and demands
of an impatient society
interrupting
their slow paced jamaican ways
they cater to us
they serve us
and
make us feel like the elite
yet
north american arrogance is prevalent
as we complain
"can you believe they are asking for a tip?"
when
the more astonishing question is
why
do most need
to be prompted to show sincere appreciation
or
worse
why do some lack
kindness or tact
"this is ALL- INCLUSIVE, mon"

i feel embarrassment as a driver looks away
yet it is the tactless
that should feel
the
shame

looking out windows
loudly
commenting
on
run-down shacks
and
bumpy streets
sometimes even
laughter and smirks

yet the drivers and guides
are silent and humble


and

i am
confused
about what is the bigger lie?

the jamaica we must believe in
to be able to enjoy the vacation
without guilt
the jamaica
of blue oceans and white sand?
or
the north america we propagate to them
of richness, opportunity and harmony?