Peter Jailall

Two of Guyana's most gifted writers have combined their far-reaching prowess and literary talent to arrive at this collection of poems that warms the heart and stirs the imagination with their diverse mix of colourful characters and poignant stories. From Berbice to Essequibo, and Demerara in-between, these poems traverse the geography of Guyana with startling insights into its people and culture. These poems will remain with the reader long after the book is finished.

Peter Jailall continues his search for the place called home in his third volume of poetry, exploring the "open, dangerous" landscape of a post-September 11th world. In this climate of globalization, none are untouched by the threats of terrorism or the spoils of modernization and its effect on our environment. As poet, teacher and storyteller, Peter's unique gift for the blending of language -- from Caribbean-accented English to Hindi -- allows him to paint beautiful dichotomies between the Guyana of his birth, and the Canada that is his current home. "To those of us in the worldwide Guyanese diaspora, Peter's poetry is cultural regeneration and joy. It generates the anchorage of identity and self respect in a sea of uncertainty and adjustment. To our host communities it provides insights into who we are as persons. It encourages the realization that hopes, fears, and aspirations are common across cultures and all are worthy of understanding and respect. To all who read Peter's work come challenges to thought and imagination, glowing pride, and prolonged pleasure."- Judaman Seecoomar, PhD, Author "Peter Jailall speaks poignantly to problems of identity and the painful feelings associated with movement and change in this fine new collection. He examines past and present and points to our need to find out and accept who we really are before cultural identity can be recognized."- Bob Barton , Storyteller, writer, educator (OISE, University of Toronto)

Peter Jailall, teacher, storyteller and poet, expresses great passion for the English language and for the quality of life of all Canadians. With this, his first published volume of poetry, he takes a much-deserved place alongside Canada’s most significant writers of colour." Peter’s poems told me stories or rather pulled me into scenes where I became the actor seeing Toronto and her people in a way new to me. Peter’s empathy for people and his clear view of what deserves anger don’t contradict each other but sharpen the stories."- Joan Vinall Cox teaches reading at Sheridan College. "Peter has shared his poems with me privately and I have been in audiences of teachers as he read his poems out loud. In both situations he strikes an emotional impact with his words and messages."- Larry Swartz, Educator.

"Peter’s poetry brings together the old world of his ancestors and heritage, and the new world to which he has emigrated. In each country he is comfortable in his body and in his language. Peter is realistically aware, and honours the yin and yang of both his ’homes.’"- Beryl Baigent, poet, freelance writer and teacher "Teachers have a gift for giving. As with all great teachers, Peter Jailall’s poetry gives its readers life’s lessons of tolerance and justice, sadness and laughter, pride and passion. Peter’s poetry has something important to say and to be learned. Its gift is that it is told with clarity and inventiveness."- Jim Giles, teacher, Peel Board of Education "There are but few poets capable of touching us socially, politically and economically. However, Peter Jailall is one of these limited few; his work compels us to take note of our daily lives as we communicate with each other."- Kofi Casisi, teacher, poet