Post-weekend Poetry 098: A Dark Caribbean Rum by Jim Scott

Welcome to Post-weekend Poetry and the ninety-eighth poem in this series. This week’s piece is by Jim Scott and appears in his book 3 which can be accessed at www.wanderingsandsojourns.com.

A Dark Caribbean Rum

You can talk of the finest clarets, or the best of the Cotes du Rhone,

Sing praise to the vines that produce the great wines

Such as Burgundy, Bordeaux or Beaune.

When all’s said and done there is only the one

That counts when the evening has come

With need to unwind and relax the old mind,

………. That’s dark Caribbean rum.

There’s merit in most of the scotches, and vodka is well worth a try.

And no need to pass if you’re offered a glass

Filled with gin or with bourbon or rye.

But when someone asks for what’s best from the casks

And says they would like to have some,

It’s better than not that you pour them a tot

………. Of dark Caribbean rum.

And lager is grand at a party, and stout is quite pleasant to down.

Of all the fine brews there’s some good ones to choose

In a bitter or pale ale or brown.

But should you need think of a versatile drink

Enjoyed both in mansion and slum,

There’s really no doubt what you’re thinking about,

………. It’s dark Caribbean rum.

So as you try all that’s been brewing, and sample whatever’s distilled,

And put each to test so you’ll know what is best

For your palate to always be thrilled;

And tried every brand brought from every land

’Till your mind and your taste buds are numb,

You’ll honour your thirst with the one that came first

………. That’s dark Caribbean rum.

So pour from the flask if you’re up to the task

In measures the width of your thumb,

And don’t try to hog all that glorious grog,

But let’s share a toast to the one we love most

………. That dark Caribbean rum!

That was great. Thank you, Jim.

Jim Scott was raised in Old Shoreham in the south of England and since leaving school as soon as he was able has travelled pretty much the rest of his life covering “five continents and three oceans” (the title of his first book, shown left).

Merchant navy apprentice in India, attacked by a rattle snake on the Inca trail, farming during African insurgent war, shipwrecked in Portugal, surfing in Morocco, making dream catchers with a Mohawk shaman in Canada, battling Caribbean hurricanes, coordinating maritime search and rescue missions, commercial diving in the Mediterranean; his numerous real life adventures have inspired the dozens of true stories and scores of lyrical “songs and verses” (his third book’s title) he has written.

Now at 60, having raised three great kids, for several years as a single dad, he melds the unique experiences of an incredible life with a passion for writing and is soon to publish book 2 to complete the “Wanderings and Sojourns” trilogy (published out of sequence… a little like his wayward life has been) “On Tropical Islands and Sparkling Seas”. Jim’s website is www.wanderingsandsojourns.com.

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