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The majority of James's works are written in the Bahamian Dialect, "Bahamianese", a word coined by Mr. Catalyn. The works reflect the Bahamian way of life, both past and present. A satirical approach has been taken in dealing with many of today's typical, topical and timely subjects in The Bahamas. |
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James at home, Bar 20 Corner | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
LOOKING BACK | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I AM A BAHAMIAN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
I am a Bahamian! My colour does not matter to me It should not matter to you I make no apology. I am proud of my colour I am proud of the way I look I am proud of me. I am Bahamian It is of no concern to me That my father was born in another land I was born Bahamian I need not look elsewhere For my heritage No one is looking to me for theirs No one is climing me as "Brother Man" Unless for dubbious reasons. I claim no one But my Bahamian brothers I know of no other roots But my Bahamian roots And I am proud. I do not wish to run From my country To identify with another culture Nor let others force Their beliefs on me. I am not African I am not European I am not black I am not white I am me! I am Bahamian! I was born Bahamian I have a right to be Bahamian And I will die for the right To remain, Bahamian! james j. catalyn (C) 26/3/92 |
Looking back Life has been good and kind. A little rough, occassionally A little disappointing A little sad. I may not have achieved All that I would have liked But putting it all in perspective I am happy and satisfied And contented. I am not yet done For as long as God grants me Life And breath, Health And strength, I shall continue to find Happiness, contentment and pleasure In all that surrounds me. God has given me Good friends, Good health, And a good family. Above all, God has given me His love. I need not ask for anything else. I am enjoying peace of mind. james j. catalyn (c) 6/1/89 (written for my 49th birthday) |
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TODAY I BECAME A MAN | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Today I became a man. I experienced the realisation Of a setting Of mind, body and soul. I experienced the realisation. That the frustrations of youth Were behind me. I experienced the realisation. That I made my own decisions Chartered my own destiny And answered only to myself and God. I experienced the realisation. That I did not have to explain My actions to anyone Nor ask leave of anyone Nor apologise to anyone Nor be guided by anyone. I experienced the realisation. That I was the deciding factor in my life. Today I experienced the realisation That today I became a man. Today I experienced maturity. james. j. catalyn. (c) 19/8/86 |
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MOTHER | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The days were long The nights were longer still And yet you cared for me. You gave me love And happiness unknown. And now after many years of loving kindness I shall in return Give to you Joy and happiness and peace. james j. catalyn (c) may/60 written as a tribute to my mother, theresa elizabeth major, for mother's day, may 1960. Published "Expressing Myself" (c) 1979 |
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