Dennie Quill, Contributor
Somehow I thought Miss Lou was indestructible. This despite the fact that I know she had lived more than eight decades and was in poor health. But as far as I am concerned Miss Lou descended from folklore royalty and she was here to stay. Only recently I attended a function and witnessed a slip of a girl reciting one of Miss Lou's dramatic poems. It was as if it had been written a few weeks ago.
And as I reflected on the words later I thought of the enormous cultural force embodied in this talented Jamaican woman whose work remains relevant many decades after it was created. Her genius as a poet was the way in which she captured the texture of Jamaican life and her clever use of the language. Who told this remarkable woman that the imaginary conversations she had with the ubiquitous Aunty Roachie could be translated into everlasting poetry. Miss Lou was daring in her determination to elevate Jamaican patois to a place of respectability. She was bucking the status quo but she truly believed that the Jamaican culture had merit and she inspired many others to embrace that indigenous culture.
Piles of tribute are pouring in for Miss Lou, deservedly so. But isn't it a great pity that this cultural icon, this beloved daughter did not feel comfortable living out her winter years in her homeland. Although she died only two days ago Jamaica has been missing Miss Lou for many years. The outpouring of love and good wishes confirmed this when she visited the island in 2003 on the occasion of being honoured by the Government.
Perhaps we should ask ourselves why Miss Lou and others like her are forced to leave their paradise home to live instead in cold, damp lands abroad. Could it be she did not feel safe here? Marauding gunmen have driven fear into the hearts of many Jamaican seniors and they are leaving the country one by one. Could it be that she did not feel confident that she could afford proper health care in Jamaica? As far as I am aware healthcare is basically free in Canada where Miss Lou lived for many years. Could it be that she had grown tired of the coarseness that has taken over so many aspects of Jamaican life. Maybe she was lonely. Maybe it was none of the above. However, we should examine the context in which people like Miss Lou have taken wings and see whether there are some urgent things that need fixing in order to ensure a better quality of life for our people.
Significantly Miss Lou has closed the chapter on a great Jamaican story just as the nation gets ready to celebrate its 44th anniversary of Independence. For sure her legacy of Jamaican labrish will be recited over and over during these celebrations. And Miss Lou's Day which is commemorated by the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) each year will take on even great significance with her passing.
We will not soon forget that Miss Lou and her stage partner Mass Ran gave generations of Jamaican much enjoyment and laughter. So as we say good-bye to this extraordinary woman let us use her spirit to inspire us to be the best that we can be as Jamaicans as we carry out our daily functions in the home, at work and in other situations.
Long live Miss Lou and her Aunty Roachie.
Dennie Quill is a veteran journalist who may be reached at denniequill@hotmail.com.
