Dear Editor,
As I traverse the congested streets of Georgetown and the lethal roadways of Guyana one pleasure I have is to observe the wonderful names inscribed so resourcefully on our minibuses.
Now a friend of mine, John Barnie, editor and excellent poet from Wales, has sent me a poem he wrote based on a visit he once paid to Guyana; I thought I might share it with your readers.
The Minibuses of Guyana
De Sting, Suga Dan, X-Amount, Kevin,
Envious, Ravendra, Rap It Up, De Rock
Log On, Sancho, De Doctor, Danny Boy
and here come
Nicholas 2, Jameer, Ryan, Blessed Child,
Rush Hour, Lisa, Champagne, Sopranos,
Rishi, Indian Chief, Hi-Tech, Tuff Gong
and more
Bollywood-GirlsGirlsGirls, Magic Blue,
Hurricane, De Flight, God Bless, Big Head,
Sweet Jesus, Elephant Man, Stampede
you can take it slow with
Uncle Robert, Joseph, Nelly, Alvin,
Grace, Touch of Class, Ashley and Kimberley,
Majestic, Play It Safe, White Angel
or mess with the best
Fear Dis, Shockin’ Vibes, Rapid Fire,
Fully Loaded, Rodman, Big Mac,
Blazer, Cool Dude, De Rhythm, Blast
whichever you choose, driving down the long coast road,
a warm wind semaphoring in the coconut palms
you will see approaching Destiny, the one bus
you cannot refuse.
Yours faithfully,
Ian McDonald
