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The Zemis: The Poetic Retelling Of An Old Folktale
Paperback
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Oct 3 2025
Pages: 52
Weight: 0.16
Height: 0.11 Width: 5.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
The Zemis: An Epic Caribbean Folklore Poem Inspired by Taino Mythology
The Zemis is a full-length epic poem rooted in Caribbean folklore and inspired by Taino mythology. It tells the story of the Ahuak tribe, guided by their god, the Golden Kiskadee, as they face an ancient force that threatens their land and survival.
Told entirely in verse, the poem explores themes of faith, betrayal, spiritual warfare, cultural memory, and redemption. Drawing from indigenous Caribbean cosmology and oral storytelling traditions, it reimagines ancestral myth through vivid imagery and rhythmic language while remaining accessible to modern readers.
This book is ideal for readers who enjoy:
Epic poetry
Folklore retellings
Mythology-inspired storytelling
Caribbean literature
Indigenous history and cultural themes
Rather than revisiting familiar Western mythologies, The Zemis offers a narrative grounded in Caribbean identity and spiritual tradition. It brings attention to indigenous voices and stories that are often overlooked in mainstream mythological fiction.
The book was awarded 3rd Place in the Caribbean Magazine Plus 2023 Poetry Contest.
Critical responses include:
This beautifully crafted book reimagines the ancient Taino legend of the Zemis... a literary and cultural offering, ideal for classrooms, libraries, and lovers of oral tradition. - Caribbean Authors Blog
You did a phenomenal job... It's the type of poem that people in the Caribbean need to read... it would whet the appetite for people to dig more into their past. - Mr. Malachi Smith, Caribbean Magazine Plus 2023 Poetry Contest Judge
If you are looking for a mythology-based epic poem rooted in Caribbean folklore and indigenous tradition, The Zemis offers a distinctive and culturally grounded reading experience.
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