(Barbadian writer George Lamming died on June 4, four days before he would have celebrated his 95th birthday. This revised article, originally written on the occasion of his 94th birthday, is presented today in recognition of his considerable contributions to West Indian literature.)
In the room the clock thunders on the mantle
The brittle china shepherdess holds
Her crook like a question sign, asks
Why your complexion should have held you from me.
You in the castle of your skin, I the swineherd.
