Modeste Downes

Hi readers,

Major computer hiccups delayed my posting on July's poet.  The hiccups have now gone and I am happy to feature St. Lucian poet, Modeste Downes, whose work was actually commented on by one of my readers, Jonathan Says (big shout out to you, Jonathan!)  You can check out Jonathan's comments  on my previous posting of the list of Caribbean poets, which by the way, is a work-in-progress for which I am constantly seeking feedback.

Modeste is the author of Phases, which was awarded the National Arts Prize for Literature in 2005. Throughout July, I am hoping to share with you as much information as possible about this poet and welcome your thoughts on this poet, St. Lucian poets, Caribbean poetry or poetry in general.

T.S. Eliot Prize Goes to Derek Walcott for White Egrets

Derek Walcott continues to receive acclaim for his latest work, White Egrets. Just this week, he won the T.S. Eliot Prize, valued at 15,000 pounds, emerging at the top of a prestigiuos group of poets.

Chair of the T.S. Eliot Prize, Anne Stevenson, described White Egrets as "moving and technically flawless.... These are beautiful lines, beautiful poetry". Well said!

Here is a link to the Guardian coverage:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/2011/jan/24/ts-eliot-prize-derek-walcott