Derek Walcott

 Derek Walcott is an esteemed poet, and also playwright from St. Lucia. He is renowned for his technical control and large canvases while writing his incredible poetry. He writes a lot about the Caribbean and his roots, while discussing the scars and results of post-colonialism in the Caribbean. He also writes extensively about the ocean and how the ocean divides and unifies people. It is a such a unique way of writing and he was rewarded for his amazing work with the Nobel Peace prize for literature. 

    I read his poems on the poetry foundation, and I was especially drawn to his poem, From Omeros. It is a poem that talks about the trojan war, but this time as a Caribbean Fisherman's fight. I love history and this was a very great read and it brings in the Caribbean in a different and exciting way. The ocean again is unifying here, and the entire identity of the Caribbean town is brought into perspective through an epic poem. It is whimsical and so vivid it tells a story like no other. The poems states, "The rites of the island were simplified by its elements, which changed places. The grooved sea was Achille’s garden, the ridged plot of rattling plantains carried their sense". The lifestyle and and items of importance of the Caribbean are brought to life through this excerpt, while also bringing in aspects of the trojan war, which tells an incredibly unique and incredible story. This poem was a great read and highlighted the excellence of Derek Walcott.