John La Rose's Memorial
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....

