On Sunday 1st March we marked the 3rd anniversary of John La Rose's death with a visit to his grave.

A group of intimate friends and family gathered around the newly laid headstone, whilst Gus John led us all in a simple and touching commemorative ceremony.

JOHN ANTHONY LA ROSE

Political and cultural activist,

poet writer, publisher

Born 27 December 1927 -

Arima, Trinidad & Tobago

                  Died 28 February 2008 -

                         London, England

I live on the sharp edge of hope

on the testing road of an unending journey                        

Gus John read the following poem from John's collection 'Eyelets of Truth within me' :

THE HEALER: IT DEADLY SERIOUS NOW

Sharp stabs of rain splutter on the ground

the weyweyman said

only yesterday

any number will play

but this is serious.

This tall black woman

curious to the seeing eye

carries her ancient primal power

within her

under the wrapping of her head

still as a pool

readies herself for action.

Her profound stillness

quitely intones long-remembered hymns

conducts an unseen orchestra of dreams

emotions reach out

in the darkroom

past and future collide in photos.

In the bosom of the dark

she tells the future

warns of danger from friends

informs of money they will get soon

jobs and promotion

inspite of murky opposition and envy

the hope and future of sincerity

and love.

So silently

they leave their moorings

buffeted in everydayness

that we face

with petulance or grace

the hawk bright light of day

drains away the polished shine.

Is really serious now.

And as usual gathering around the kitchen table at the close of the day....