In memoriam - Edward Kamau Brathwaite (11/5/1930–4/2/2020)

Abstract

It is curiously fitting that I write this memorial piece on Barbadian poet Kamau Brathwaite on the day I retire from an academic career that began with poetry. I am reminded of T.S. Eliot’s last published poem, ‘Little Gidding’, in which he writes: ‘What we call the beginning is often the end / and to make an end is to make a beginning.’ I have taught the poetry of T.S Eliot for as long as I have taught the poetry of Kamau Brathwaite – for me they are entwined. But the first poet with whom I felt affinity was Judith Wright, a poet whose love of the natural world, specific to Australia, was my love. [excerpt]