There is something about not interacting with Jamaicans regularly and live, as opposed to via text, that causes some ways of speaking to go on a temporary vacation from your mind. Recently, a friend used this one in a written conversation: x a breed mi. Later when I was reflecting on my first few weeks in the MFA, that’s what came back to me: it a breed mi.
But it is interesting.
I don’t know what part of me actually seriously thought I could do this while teaching full time. I suppose if I had to I would. But I am happy I don’t have to. Responding to submissions being workshopped and responding to others’ responses is one. Then there’s all the assigned reading (and responses) and exercises for a particular week, then the overall reading of texts and whatever else comes up in conversation. And, of course, your own writing. Times two. I hope I will find a rhythm soon. Or else early birth.