Republic Day

 

 

“Jumping the gun”

And not “looking before we leap”

Apply to Barbados

Even as I speak.

 

“Cart before the horse”

And “hurrying and wasting time”

Are two more maxims

That come to mind.

 

On November 30, 2021

We became the newest Republic

And in regal splendour

Made our exit.

 

 

Exit from Britain

In the presence of Prince Charles

But at this signal event

No Charles in Charge.

 

Republic Day

Was to replace Independence Day

But Bajans rejected this

Saying, “No way!”

 

Independence Day

But as yet, no Republic Day

And I am beginning to wonder…

What really is the delay?

 

“Starting before we’re ready”

Maxim number five:

A case of an unplanned take-off

Followed by a nose dive.

 

In a festive mood:

Dress-up and cosmetics galore

But concerning substance,

We are very poor.

 

 

A sham some would call it,

A fake or a disguise

And Bajans, for the most part,

On a roller-coaster ride.

 

Up, down, up, down,

Mostly more down than up,

Will there ever be a Republic Day?

Tell me what is the outlook.

 

Stewart Russell © November 8, 2023