Ballad of Mama Uda’s Kitchen Fire
Written by Fabian Stennett
Before the hills kissed morning light,
And dew still clung to cane,
Mama Uda woke the yard alive
Before the cock crowed again.
Her footsteps hummed on earthen floor,
Soft as a chapel song,
While coal-fire glowed beneath the pot
Where hungry hearts belong.
The coffee beat in the mata bowl,
Rich scent fill the air,
Mama Uda stir it strong and dark
With loving hands and care.
She grated cassava on the grater board,
Steel teeth scrape so sweet,
Back and forth with steady hands,
Keeping old-time rhythm beat.
Andrae run come through the yard,
Barefoot in the dew,
While Zandria laugh beside the gate,
Calling, “Mama, how yuh do?”
Little Aaliyah hold the spoon,
Trying hard to stir,
Monty wait beside the fire
For the first roast breadfruit share.
Windel split the coconut shell,
Novelette season the pot,
While rundown bubble thick and rich
With all the love she got.
Kingsley and Uncle Manzie
Sit beneath the tree,
Telling stories of old Jamaica
And how life used to be.
Ken and Zeek laugh loud nearby,
Playing games out in the yard,
While Aunt Girlie hum revival hymns
And shell peas in the dark.
The bammy pressed beneath her palms,
Round as the harvest moon,
Then kissed by fire upon the pan
Till golden afternoon.
And oh, her chocolaté!
Thick and sweet and strong,
Whisked with spice and coconut milk
While she hummed revival songs.
Nutmeg danced and cinnamon swirled,
Vanilla kissed the steam,
Every sip held comfort deep
Like childhood wrapped in dream.
Neighbours pass and hail the gate,
Drawn by scent and cheer,
For Mama Uda’s humble kitchen
Made heaven feel near.
“Come een, chile, tek a plate,
Nobody leave hungry yah!”
Her laughter warm like summer sun
Beneath the evening star.
Now years may pass and fires grow cold,
Yet still her spirit stays,
Inside the smoke of roasting breadfruit
And memory’s sweetest praise.
For women like Mama Uda
Do more than cook and feed—
They plant their love in everyday life
Like tiny mustard seeds.
And Andrae, Zandria, Aaliyah too,
Monty, Windel, Novelette,
Kingsley, Ken, Zeek, Aunt Girlie—
None of them forget.
For every child who knew her warmth,
No matter where they roam,
Carries the taste of chocolaté
As the flavour of true home.
Footnote – About the Author
Fabian Stennett is a Jamaican writer, poet, storyteller, and reggae recording artist whose work celebrates the richness of Jamaican culture, family traditions, spirituality, and the enduring strength of Caribbean people. His poetry captures the sounds of country mornings, the warmth of the coal stove, the wisdom of elders, and the deep sense of community found in Jamaican life.
Through his storytelling, Fabian preserves memories that might otherwise fade with time — the making of bammy, the beating of coffee in the mata, the bubbling rundown pot, and the comforting aroma of homemade chocolaté.
Fabian Stennett is also the brother of Jamaican statesman Aldane V. Stennett and cousin to legendary reggae icon Jimmy Cliff, born James Chambers.
He is the author of more than seven books available on Amazon. He has also established himself as a reggae artist with recordings including the albums The Seer and Still Choppin, along with the EP 3 Sides of a Coin. His newest single, Road Fulla Hole, reflects the realities, struggles, and resilience of Jamaican life.
This poem stands as a heartfelt tribute to Mama Uda, whose love, faith, cooking, and guidance continue to live on through her children, grandchildren, family, and everyone blessed to know her warmth.
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