Island: A Poetic Journey through the Caribbean

1. Day 3: Caribbean Poetry English II: World Literature

2. So, like a diarist in sand, I mark the peace with which you graced Particular islands, descending A narrow stair to light the lamps Against the night’s surf’s noises, shielding A leaping mantle with one hand, Or simply scaling fish for supper, Onions, jack0fish, bread, red snapper; And on each kiss the harsh sea-taste, And how by moonlight you were made To study most the surf’ unyielding Patience though it seems a waste. Warm-Up Directions: Annotate the poem and answer the questions below. 1. What strikes you about this poem? 2. How would you describe the diction? List the most important words below. 3. How would you categorize the diction? Language of __________. 4. What is the poem about? 5. How is it different from other poetry of the Caribbean that we’ve read so far? IslandBy Derek Walcott [for Margaret] Merely to name them is the prose Of diarists, to make you a name For readers who like travellers praise Their beds and beaches as the same; But island can only exist If we have loved in them. I seek, As climate seeks its style, to write Verse crisp as sand, clear as sunlight, Cold as the curled wave, ordinary As a tumbler of island water; Yet, like a diarist, thereafter I savour their salt-haunted rooms (Your body stirring the creased sea Of crumpled sheets), whose mirrors lose Our huddled, sleeping images, Like words which love had hoped to use Erased with the surf’s pages.

3. Agenda • warm-up • literary terms/history quiz • Seminar Prep: Small group discussion • Seminar: Caribbean poetry • Writing response

4. Seminar Expectations 1. All students speak at least once. 2. When someone is speaking, you listen. 3. When you speak, have textual evidence or specific examples to support your point.