Conversations with Derek Walcott FROM THE PUBLISHER
My calling as a poet is votive, sacred, out-dated, if you will, but it was a cherished vow taken in my young dead father's name, and my life is to honor that vow. I believe this through all adversaries. I have been blessed. I am lucky to have been born in the Caribbean at such a time.
I think every poet of any modesty hopes to make just a small contribution to the sound of the world's hum, and does not by any means wish to be individual or be praised for his style or whatever.
--Derek Walcott