Poem: “I am Guyanese” – video

I am Guyanese – Poem

Comment – Kwesi Oginga
Thank you, Henry, for keeping this, one of my classical poems, alive. I wrote this poem in 1983. It was first recited as verse speaking at the National Cultural Center, in August of the same year by Ronald Hollingsworth, Collette Jones, Bharrat Singh, Sherwin Welshman and myself. I was challenged by First Lady, Mrs. Viola Burnham, to write something that would truly express what it is to be a Guyanese. This poem came as a result. More of these profoundly patriotic poems can be read from my book, “I am a Guyanese,” published by Xlibris in 2008.  Thanks, Henry! I truly appreciate your interpretation and recitation of this poem,  Friends forever,  Kwesi Oginga
By guyaneseonline, on 03/27/2016 at 12:14 am, under Arts / Culture, Guyana. Tags: , , . 4 Comments
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Comments

  • Arnold Girdharry  On 03/27/2016 at 9:39 am
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    WOW–a powerful poem delivered by an oratorical master. Congrats to both the poet and the deliverer.

  • ndtewarie  On 03/27/2016 at 12:57 pm
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    JUST MARVELOUS TO THE ORATOR AND NIGEL NOW HERE’S A COUNTRY BOY’S VERSION;
    THANKS
    NDTEWARIE.

    I AM GUYANESE

    I am Guyanese by birth
    And I’m very proud of it
    For its tropical worth
    Its loving country spirit

    Our people’s company
    And patriotic outlook
    Makes me darn happy
    When others forsook

    Us a humble people with great pride
    I feel I can do anything
    Like I’m on a top super coaster ride
    In all efforts reaching

    For the stars with my basics
    Getting pleasure solving problems
    Avoiding all the licks
    Like porknockers looking for gems

    Cause to me it’s like a breeze
    As others abroad struggle and fret
    All because I’m a Guyanese
    I’m always jolly never get angry yet

    Coming from a well-run country
    With its untouched eco climate
    Now we moving we are free
    Moving away from racial hate

    We’re a warm hospitable people
    With an enviable education system
    Anywhere we show we are able
    Yes Guyana my warm no-snow gem

    A super bird’s watcher’s paradise
    For hobbyists far and wide

    They come to see our rare bird flies
    And satisfy their curious ride

    And when I die abroad or here
    I’m telling them “Le me stay hay nah”
    To my loved ones let them share
    And bury my shell also in Guyana

  • Leslie Chin  On 03/29/2016 at 8:35 am
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    Guyana’s got talent

  • Vivette Davson  On 11/19/2018 at 7:51 pm
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    I am a Guyanese. Conscious/ Exotic Poet/Songwriter. My name is Vivette Davson aka Toni (Deepblaqsoul). Missing my roots. Left Guyana 44 yrs ago. Canadian and American bred. Oooooh I long to touch this land again. This poem has a special place in my heart. I am so proud to be a Guyanese. Please check out some of my works on http://Www.amazon.com. Search DEEPBLAQSOUL.

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