Derek Walcott was a Saint Lucian poet. He also worked as a playwright and won the 1992 Nobel Prize in Literature. His most important work is the epic poem, ‘Omeros,’ published in 1990. He was granted a MacArthur “genius” grant and the Queen’s Medal for Poetry.
‘Oddjob, a Bull Terrier’ by Derek Walcott is a thoughtful, emotional poem about loss and how unbearable the death of a pet can be.
You prepare for one sorrow,
but another comes.
It is not like the weather,
you cannot brace yourself,
the unreadiness is all.
‘The Wind in the Dooryard’ by Derek Walcott was written after the death of Eric Roach, a well-respected poet who died by suicide in 1974. This poem is dedicated to his life and work.
I didn't want this poem to come from the torn mouth, I didn't want this poem to come
‘Parades, Parades’ by Derek Walcott is an interesting, allusion-filled poem that discusses Saint Lucia after the end of British colonial rule.
Derek Walcott’s poem ‘The Virgins’ gives a holistic view of the life, economy, and culture of one of the Virgin Islands of the US, Saint Croix.
‘A Far Cry from Africa’ is a poem based around the struggles in Africa. One would presume it is at least partially autobiographical.
‘Adam’s Song’ by Derek Walcott describes Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden and Adam’s sorrowful song of regret.
‘Dark August’ by Derek Walcott describes the dark life a speaker is forced to live when someone he depends on abandons him.
Derek Walcott’s poem ‘Ebb’ is about a car journey by the shore and comments on aging, industrialization, and the past.
‘Homecoming: Anse La Raye’ by Derek Walcott is a complex and interesting poem about when a homecoming doesn’t feel like coming home. It is rich with allusions and connections to Walcott’s real-life experience.
‘Love After Love’ by Derek Walcott is a poem, that is presented in the form of a person offering advice to someone who is distressed.
‘Sea Grapes’ by Derek Walcott is a deep and interesting poem. In it, Walcott uses numerous allusions to convey a message about choosing between lust and responsibility.
‘XIV’ appears in Derek Walcott’s collection of poems “Midsummer”. This poem features the glorious days of Walcott’s childhood, especially how they gathered around his mother to hear stories at the stroke of eve.