(In memory of Cudjoe, a Montserratian hero)
By Shirley Spycalla
Show me, please show me, oh Cudjoe, my liege
The tall, silk cotton tree, I beg and besiege.
The tree that bore your body as fettered you swung
That strong body you nurtured when we were young.
Show them, I beg you, Cudjoe, show your sons
The branch on the tree from which you were hung.
You fought for their freedom on the 17th of March
To end vicious serfdom and a life that was harsh.
Show her; please show her, your sweet loving wife
The noose on the branch that ended your life.
You led the uprising with strength and resolve
To bring pride to your people and slavery to dissolve.
Show me; oh show me where they took your head
That was cut from your body to ensure you were dead.
History will judge us for the battle you fought
Against the oppressors, if we let it come to naught.
Oh people of Montserrat , you’re all Cudjoe’s kin!
You’re the sons he begat – you are not born in sin.
Be strong; fight oppression; don’t let Cudjoe die in vain
Uphold your Constitution; seek justice through pain.
Be not slaves to overspending, to corruption and greed
Be warriors for peace unending. Stand firm; with you I plead.
For Cudjoe was your father who died for you and me
That day, on St. Patrick’s, when he hung from the tree!
