A Collection of Poems on Survival, Resilience, and Hope
Have you ever felt like you were drowning?
I’ve perhaps had two experiences where I was actually under water much longer than intended. These were quite terrible experiences — though I imagine nowhere near as terrifying as someone who has nearly drowned.
From time to time, the average person may have to face the big ocean, whether it be for entertainment, leisure, or responsibility. And to do this, we create ships and boats, and we learn to swim and tread if no vessel exists in the particular circumstance. You know, anything to keep your head above water.
The thing is that sometimes our ocean doesn’t come with waves, but comes in waves. Life itself is like an ocean — there are bills, responsibilities, disappointments, heartbreak, death. It’s easy to fall under the chaos of any of these things, but this is the time when it becomes even more important to stay above water.
And that’s what this book of poems is about — navigating.
Let’s just say, Kate Bush took you up that hill, and Lilanie brings you through the waters.
Above Water consists of 52 poems broken up into 4 sections: Dive In, Drowning, Swim, Stay Afloat. Each section features poems that match the thematic sentiments of its titled section.
A favourite amongst these poems is “Battlefield,” which tackles mental health as a subject. The book covers so many other themes — sexual trauma, battling cancer, heartbreak, delays. But the book doesn’t end in doom and gloom. Many of the latter poems speak to other areas: self-care, growth, resilience.
This makes it a powerful testament to our ability to withstand, overcome, and tame even a beast as wild and unpredictable as the waters.
It also shows that poetry is still alive in Jamaica and has the power to transform lives, improve outlooks, and provide hope. You can see a few renditions of my poems on my Instagram (@kerece_lilanie) and TikTok (@lilanie_the_poet).
Above Water is a remarkable read and a great gift for someone seeking a reminder that they’re strong enough to overcome any storm.
The book is one of three currently published by the author, the other two being Kisses and Lies and Faith and Favour: Odes of Gratitude for Unmerited Grace.
These books are available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Lilanie/author/B0D75DRJJH
You can also find them in Jamaica at York Pharmacy, or reach out to the author directly for a signed copy using this form:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSczeP9FJMKXbSJJx5m2BrmIzc1WFpH-1xUp1xGvjTWdp03RAg/viewform
The author also accepts commissions for handwritten or typed poetry:
https://ko-fi.com/sincerelylilanie/commissions
Lilanie’s work has been recognized in the following capacities:
- Inaugural Cohort Member — Fiwi Time Fellowship (2025), in collaboration with the Jamaica Book Festival and the Black British Book Festival. Contributed original work to the Fiwi Time Anthology, participating in structured mentorship, editorial development, and collaborative production.
- Top Ten Finalist — Wake Up Jamaica Art for Liberation Contest (2024)
- Semi-Finalist — Yecheilyah’s 7th Annual Poetry Contest (2024)
- Finalist — Caricon Poetry Slam, Kingston (2025)
- Finalist — UWI Mona Poetry Clash (2025)
Written by K L Williams
Kerece Lilanie Williams is a poet and educator, and the author of three poetry collections published under the name Lilanie: Kisses and Lies, Above Water, and Faith and Favour: Odes of Gratitude for Unmerited Grace. She contributes her writing to Urban Vine Media, a creative initiative that fosters intellectual conversations around arts, culture, and entertainment in Jamaica and the diaspora.
She is also the founder of Write Ah Yaad, a vibrant writing community for Caribbean poets and storytellers, and the Chief “Copy Cat” behind MeowMedia Services, a platform helping creative entrepreneurs create and build their brands—because kats roar with MeowMedia.
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