Barefoot Verse:

Judith Falloon-Reid's Jaiku: Photos & Haikus from a Jamaican Barefoot Island Girl is groundbreaking. It is the first Jamaican collection of haiga—a blend of photography and haiku—and introduces a new genre she calls "jaiku," which fuses traditional Japanese haiku with her distinct Jamaican voice. This innovative approach offers readers a fresh, culturally rich way to experience poetry and visuals.

The book's stunning photographs capture the beauty of Caribbean landscapes, from lush plants to serene beaches. They are paired perfectly with the haikus to create deeply evocative moments. Her "Jaiku" blend the precision of haiku with the rhythm, language, and perspective of Jamaican life, resulting in a genre that feels both timeless and entirely new.

Consider this piece:

There is no debris

on the beach, it's all art

crafted by the sea.

The accompanying photo of driftwood bathed in sunset light redefines our understanding of debris. Falloon-Reid transforms it into art shaped by the sea, inviting readers to shift their perspective (Falloon-Reid).

In another standout:

A lonely jankro

perched high on a green rooftop

is lord over all.

The "jankro" perched above the world symbolizes solitude and power—themes deeply rooted in Jamaican culture. The photo and haiku evoke feelings of isolation and dominance, reflecting the cost of standing apart (Falloon-Reid).

And another:

Like my neighbor's corn

growing daily, silently

mi a bear nuff fruit.

Here, Falloon-Reid employs Patwa to infuse the haiku with a deeply personal and raw voice, capturing the quiet tension of waiting for one's own growth while observing others thrive. The use of Patwa adds intimacy and authenticity, making this piece a hallmark of her innovative genre (Falloon-Reid).

And one more:

Stones know no color.

united, they battle tides

to reach sea-swept shores

This haiku, paired with a photograph of stones polished by the sea, embodies themes of unity and resilience. The imagery speaks to shared strength and perseverance, making it both universal and deeply connected to the communal values of Jamaican life (Falloon-Reid).

Judith Falloon-Reid's Jaiku is a cultural statement and an artistic innovation. She has created something entirely her own, blending two traditions and enriching both. Her haigas redefine Jamaica, showcasing the island's landscapes and spirit through a fresh lens.

This collection is a must-read for lovers of haiku, photography, and Caribbean culture. Falloon-Reid's jaiku will appeal to anyone who finds poetry in the small details of life and seeks to experience Jamaica through a personal and transformative lens. It's a book that celebrates the island and carves out a new space for its voice in Jamaican and Caribbean poetry.