For some of the older Caribbean intellectuals, dub poetry is an abomination. They claim it does not correspond with the norms of poetry handed down in the English literary tradition and is too raw. However, this literary form has gained acceptance all over the Caribbean partly because it is impossible to draw a line between dub poetry and other traditional forms.

Artists such as Paul Keens-Douglas, Louise Bennett (Miss Lou), Oliver Samuel, Edward Braithwaite, Valerie Bloom, Marc Matthews, Dick Lochan, Lillian Allen among others, and scores of calypsonians and reggae artists, have in several ways maintained, extended, built upon and transmitted the strengths of a living oral tradition. Many poets and writers have used Creole English as the language of their work. There is a large number of short stories and anecdotes, and a growing number of anthologies and small collections. Many of these stories are dramatic in nature, and some, like Samuel Sevlon's, have been performed on stage. The continuation of this work will hopefully have an impact on changing attitudes towards Creole English, and ensure it will be recognised soon as a valid form of communication. The following pages include a varied selection of poetry, a folktale, stories and dub poetry.

Endnotes

1. Peter A. Roberts, West Indians and Their Language, Cambridge University Press, 1988, p. 157.

2. Paul Keens-Douglas, When Moon Shine, P.K.D., Port of Spain, Trinidad, 1975, p. 9.