Savory


 ON CARIBBEAN POETRY



 I cannot speak generally very much. The poetry of
the region is so richly diverse now that it is unwise to
make bold statements. I love this extraordinary range
of styles and forms--certainly there is no narrowness,
but a lot of energetic development here. I don't think
we should prescribe--whether the work is in creole or
international English forms, it is valuable as an
expression of this community, although clearly creole
forms predominate and draw the strongest response. But
many poets write in both creole and international registers.

 Speaking personally, I just want to write with as
profound an understanding of the old power of the word
as possible. It is important, I think, that poets fight
constantly against the threat to living language from
modern, technologically orientated social trends. Poets
give new life to dead or decaying language and give us
alternatives to jargon, cliches and other abuses of the
word. It is therefore vital that we give all serious
poets support and an audience--so that their collective
presence can be a forceful one--and their individuality
should also be celebrated. Variety is a sign of a
healthy tradition.


Elaine Savory