The title is a play are words itself which alludes to the United States initiative to stimulate certain countries Caribbean economy . The CBI which is externally a imposed solution is contrasted with the initiative of individuals- in this case the
Haitian people who from time to time choose the dangerous route to migration in small open boats.
The poem begins with an epigraph from Mary Kingsley when the quotation creates an image of travelers in small boats, that it would seem could capsize at any moment due to the amount of people in them creating a sense of apprehension and instability.
Section One of the poem- begins with a simile that creates an image of slinging
Limpets ( a type of...) in comparison to the travelers who cling to their boats as to their dreams; afraid even to 'draw breath' or not stir not even to smile or the boat might list and capsize. Senior pushes this image even further when she says "we still in our graves". Comparing the boats to grave- showing the fear and instability of their dreams- a journey to better life. The poet also seems to play on the word grave suggesting ideas of watery grave and a social/economy/political death if they should foul to reach their destination.
Section Two- The pervading idea of dreams and a perennial economic crisis seems to be the main idea in this section as the 'I' speaks of his/her skill or a lack there of at farming and as farmer trying to build a boat to escape the hardship of trying to make a living. Senior, seems to suggest/introduce the failed purpose of the CBI which should assist in the development of the Caribbean (Haiti) economy instead they look to the promise across the waters but find that its promise of a gate way to economic freedom is even more difficult to attain "What is harder than stone... water" Section Three- The polyuscal perspective is employed in the poem and is continued in the third section. Seniors poet voice zeros in on cultural recuperation
i.e.