Welcome the KingSun

KingSun : The Testaments of Sunlight and Water A Chapbook by Gladstone Taylor photocredits by Jik Reuben

Welcome the KingSun

“Welcome, This is Kingston” words from Five Steez (Jamaican Yaad Hop Pioneer) in his latest EP “These Kingston Times”, is befitting of how I would like to introduce to you in my humble way, my experience of Glad “Stone” Taylor’s debut literary work “KingSun: The Testaments of Sunlight and Water”, The chapbook. Hopefully I will pique your interest to ensure you do check out this literary work.

Gladstone's testaments tell the story of the duality of life in the king's town, Kingston, Jamaica. He explores the dark and light hues of life here, the harshness and also the bliss that exists on this rock, often revered as the “likkle but tallawah” powerhouse, known across the globe for its social, cultural, and spiritual contributions (among others) and influence to the world.

It explores spiritual and mental evolution in this time through the eyes of a young but maturing mind. The chapbook is divided into five (5) testaments which trace experiences across three (3) years of Stone’s journey.

This work is one which was most engaging, it kept me interested from short story to socio-political commentary to poetry complimented with meaningful and relevant artwork. I loved how real events were interwoven with the imagination or fictional explorations that were shared. It was an absolute adventure that really left me satisfied and inspired while also touching a chord of resonance of truth. It awoke a fire to create, to be, to grow beyond all limits, re-igniting my own passion to express. I have no regrets; I only recommend that you find out for yourself of what I speak.

My other reason for sharing briefly my thoughts is to speak to the support for young writers and scribes whose gift of expression serves as a blessing to those who partake. I do it also to reiterate that not all youth are out here doing negative things, and though there are reasons for the existence of negative behavior anywhere on this planet, it is my purpose to speak of the all things pertinent to my story including my encounter with the fruit that this young, bright and fruitful mind has brought forth for contemplation. I believe that is what Gladstone’s testament has done. He has shown me that a balanced perspective of life in the sun is such a great necessity; it is indeed a universal requirement, for everywhere there exists the good, the bad and the ugly.

This is not just another book; it is a socio- political and cultural record for generations of this particular time in Jamaica’s history where the creative arts as a whole, not just music, has become a safe space for youthful expression. It is also evidence of hope in these times of authentic creative pursuits and passion.

If you have looked around and looked within lately, you would find that we have no time to dwell on the lesser things of lower vibration, there is enough of that in the world. It is our responsibility to evolve and become greater than we have ever imagined. We must raise our vibrations and our consciousness to transcend into the lives we were meant to have when our mothers’ birthed us and we came out into the sunlight.

I leave you with something from the KingSun:

“A flame only seeks to share its heat.
It says you are never more beautiful, than when you are burning hot”
(page 51, KingSun)

While I continue to let my words burn and be beautiful, I hope they will provide a light, as this work has done, for “if I have a light, I have everything” (page 53, KingSun). Thanks for your time and salute to all writers and scribes telling their stories one word at a time.

The chapbook is available on amazon, also do go see Gladstone’s creative space. 

WarriorSistren

---