Memories and Musings: Reflections of a Scientist

This compendium of lyrical pieces arose out of an attempt to use simple words to express deep feelings and relate complex issues of the day, during breaks from scientific research. They actually began with descriptions of the exquisite beauty of Jamaica and the emotions they evoked in a person who was born on the island and enjoyed, during a lifetime, the endless natural scenery around every corner of the landscape. The striking changes experienced throughout the day are poetically related; the peaceful grandeur of early mornings and majesty of the evenings are recounted in a personal and nostalgic manner. The carefree nature of boyhood is delicately captured in poems of early life and school. The influence of a dedicated schoolmaster is acknowledged with gratitude. Later, enjoying the countryside as a native familiar with the island's iconic drink and the childlike gaiety of local rustic bars were warmly and affectionately remembered. This anthology towards the end, frontally and beautifully, takes up the serious social issues such as crime, violence and poverty, with the sensitivity of a writer who has given much thought to these unfortunate current phenomena from a local perspective. The pieces culminate in a lyrical dissection of the failures and resolutions of the prevailing international governance and economic systems. The narratives are elegantly complemented by expressive photographs, which illustrate the spirit of the poems against the backdrop of the realities on the island. The fun in writing these pieces resonates throughout every poem.