Hairouna, I love you

Mountainous, Rocky, Steep,

Majestic, Luscious, Fertile,

Explosive, Exotic, Beautiful

are the words that describe you

Originally called Hairouna,

indigenous to the Caribs.

Welcoming to my people, fleeing from another  beauty or shipwrecked

Live together in harmony: the Garifuna

until the oppressors invaded you and your people;

For your natural resources: Rich volcanic soil.

The French and then the British,

they fought over you again:  won by the original oppressors in 1779.

Regain by the British: Treaties of Versailles (1783)

Your people up rise against the oppressors,

the up risers was forced out to an unknown beauty,

they adapted and carry on, in Roatan.

Eventually, to other nearby beauty.

None as majestic  as you,  my Hairouna.

by Arlette Benjamin