'Sabbaths, W.I.' by Derek Walcott

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Those villages stricken with the melancholia of Sunday,
in all of whose ocher streets one dog is sleepingthose volcanoes like ashen roses, or the incurable sore
of poverty, around whose puckered mouth thin boys are
selling yellow sulphur stonethe burnt banana leaves that used to dance
the river whose bed is made of broken bottles
the cocoa grove where a bird whose cry sounds green and
yellow and in the lights under the leaves crested with
orange flame has forgotten its flutegommiers peeling from sunburn still wrestling to escape the seathe dead lizard turning blue as stonethose rivers, threads of spittle, that forgot the old musicthat dry, brief esplanade under the drier sea almonds
where the dry old men satwatching a white schooner stuck in the branches
and playing draughts with the moving frigate birdsthose hillsides like broken potsthose ferns that stamped their skeletons on the skinand those roads that begin reciting their names at vespersmention them and they will stop
those crabs that were willing to let an epoch pass
those herons like spinsters that doubted their reflections
inquiring, inquiringthose nettles that waited
those Sundays, those Sundaysthose Sundays when the lights at the road's end were an occasionthose Sundays when my mother lay on her back
those Sundays when the sisters gathered like white moths
round their street lanternand cities passed us by on the horizon

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Sabbaths, W.I." by Derek Walcott: A Mesmerizing Ode to the Caribbean

Derek Walcott's "Sabbaths, W.I." is a masterpiece of Caribbean poetry that celebrates the vibrancy, complexity, and beauty of the region. Through a series of lyrical and introspective poems, Walcott explores the themes of memory, identity, history, and spirituality that define the Caribbean experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the rich imagery, symbolism, and language of "Sabbaths, W.I." and examine the ways in which Walcott captures the essence of the Caribbean with his poetic voice.

The Caribbean Landscape: A Tapestry of Contrasts

The opening poem of "Sabbaths, W.I.", titled "A Sea-Chanty for the Winds," sets the tone for the entire collection with its vivid evocation of the Caribbean landscape. Walcott's language is lush, sensual, and musical, as he describes the sea, the sky, and the land in vivid detail:

"The wind that drums the sails of ships
Is the voice of my lament,
For the land that is lost, the precious land
That the winds of change have spent."

The poem creates a sense of longing and nostalgia for a lost land, while also celebrating the beauty and power of the natural elements that define the Caribbean. The wind, in particular, is a recurring motif in the collection, symbolizing both the forces of change and the enduring spirit of the people who inhabit the region.

Walcott's description of the Caribbean landscape is full of contrasts and paradoxes. In "Sunday Morning," he juxtaposes the serene beauty of the dawn with the violence of the waves crashing against the shore:

"The sky is a quiet sea,
But the silent waves are high
As the morning wind blows free."

This contrast between calm and turbulence, between the stillness of the sky and the motion of the sea, is a recurring theme in "Sabbaths, W.I.", reflecting the tensions and contradictions that define life in the Caribbean.

Memory and Identity: The Legacy of Colonialism

One of the central themes of "Sabbaths, W.I." is the legacy of colonialism and its impact on Caribbean identity. Walcott explores this theme through a series of poems that reflect on the history of the region and the struggles of its people to define themselves in the aftermath of colonialism.

In "The Schooner Flight," Walcott offers a powerful metaphor for the experience of colonialism, as he describes a shipwreck that symbolizes the destruction of the indigenous cultures of the Caribbean:

"The broken Coromantee
In chains on the schooner's deck
Lies like a waterlogged tom-tom
Thumping for its life."

The image of the broken Coromantee, a reference to the Akan people of West Africa who were brought to the Caribbean as slaves, conveys the violence and trauma of the slave trade and the erasure of indigenous cultures that followed. The tom-tom, a traditional drum used in African and Caribbean music, serves as a symbol of resistance and resilience in the face of oppression.

Walcott also explores the theme of memory and identity in "The Sea is History," a powerful and evocative poem that reflects on the history of the Caribbean as a site of conquest, slavery, and resistance. The poem begins with a vivid description of the sea as a repository of memory:

"Where are your monuments, your battles, martyrs?
Where is your tribal memory? Sirs,
in that grey vault. The sea. The sea
has locked them up. The sea is history."

Walcott's language is rich and complex, as he blends elements of Caribbean history and mythology with references to European art and literature. The poem is a testament to the resilience and creativity of Caribbean people, who have forged a unique identity and culture despite centuries of violence and oppression.

Spirituality and the Divine: The Mysteries of the Caribbean

Another theme that runs through "Sabbaths, W.I." is the spiritual dimension of Caribbean life. Walcott explores this theme through a series of poems that reflect on the mysteries and rituals of Caribbean religion, from Christianity to voodoo.

In "In the Village," Walcott describes the scene of a rural church service, with its hymns and prayers and the sound of the organ echoing through the hills:

"The old church in the valley
Has its bell, that calls the people to pray,
And its organ, that weeps in the nave at evening
For the peace that men have lost."

The poem captures the sense of community and tradition that is central to Caribbean spirituality, as well as the longing for a lost sense of peace and harmony.

Walcott also explores the darker side of Caribbean spirituality in "The Mongoose," a chilling poem that evokes the power of voodoo and the fear it can inspire:

"The mongoose is a demon
That lives in the roots of the tamarind tree,
And the spell of the mongoose
Is a curse on the family."

The poem reflects the deep-seated superstitions and beliefs that are still present in Caribbean culture, despite the influence of Christianity and modernity.

Conclusion: A Tribute to the Caribbean

"Sabbaths, W.I." is a powerful and mesmerizing collection of poems that celebrates the beauty, complexity, and diversity of the Caribbean. Walcott's language is rich and evocative, as he blends elements of history, mythology, and spirituality to create a tapestry of images and emotions that capture the essence of the region.

Through his poems, Walcott pays tribute to the resilience and creativity of Caribbean people, who have forged a unique identity and culture in the face of centuries of violence and oppression. He also reflects on the challenges and contradictions that define life in the Caribbean, from the legacy of colonialism to the mysteries of spirituality.

Overall, "Sabbaths, W.I." is a masterpiece of Caribbean literature that showcases the talent and vision of one of the region's greatest poets. It is a tribute to the power of language and imagination to capture the essence of a place and a people, and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Caribbean.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sabbaths, W.I. is a masterpiece written by Derek Walcott, a Nobel laureate in literature. This poem is a celebration of the Caribbean culture and its people. It is a tribute to the Sabbath, a day of rest and worship, and the power of poetry to bring people together.

The poem is set in the West Indies, a region known for its vibrant culture, music, and dance. Walcott uses vivid imagery and metaphors to paint a picture of the Caribbean landscape. He describes the sea as a "blue-green serpent," the sun as a "golden drum," and the sky as a "blue bowl." These images evoke a sense of wonder and awe, as if the poet is inviting the reader to experience the beauty of the Caribbean firsthand.

The poem is divided into six stanzas, each with its own unique theme and tone. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the idea of the Sabbath. Walcott writes, "On Sundays we heard the gospel / of the sea, / the hymn of the hurricane, / the sermon of the sand." This stanza establishes the importance of the Sabbath in Caribbean culture and the connection between nature and spirituality.

The second stanza focuses on the power of poetry. Walcott writes, "Poetry was the Sabbath of the soul, / the hymn of the heart, / the sermon of the mind." Here, the poet suggests that poetry has the ability to heal and uplift the spirit. He also emphasizes the importance of education and the role of poetry in shaping the mind.

The third stanza introduces the idea of community. Walcott writes, "We gathered in the church of the street, / the temple of the yard, / the mosque of the market." This stanza celebrates the diversity of Caribbean culture and the sense of community that is fostered through shared experiences.

The fourth stanza is a tribute to the musicians and dancers of the Caribbean. Walcott writes, "The drummers beat the rhythm of the heart, / the dancers moved like flames, / the singers sang the song of the soul." This stanza highlights the importance of music and dance in Caribbean culture and the way in which they express the emotions and experiences of the people.

The fifth stanza is a reflection on the history of the Caribbean. Walcott writes, "We remembered the chains, / the whips, the blood, / the tears, the sweat, the pain." This stanza acknowledges the legacy of slavery and colonialism in the Caribbean and the resilience of the people in the face of adversity.

The final stanza is a call to action. Walcott writes, "Let us celebrate the Sabbath of the soul, / the hymn of the heart, / the sermon of the mind." This stanza encourages the reader to embrace the power of poetry and the importance of community in shaping the future of the Caribbean.

Overall, Poetry Sabbaths, W.I. is a powerful tribute to the Caribbean culture and its people. Walcott's use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and themes creates a sense of wonder and awe that invites the reader to experience the beauty of the Caribbean firsthand. The poem celebrates the Sabbath, the power of poetry, community, music and dance, the history of the Caribbean, and the resilience of its people. It is a call to action, encouraging the reader to embrace the power of poetry and the importance of community in shaping the future of the Caribbean.

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