Renowned poet Derek Walcott, who was born on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia, frequently spoke nostalgically and with affection about his childhood. He was born in 1930 and grew up in a culture that openly celebrated and lived poetry. The vibrant atmosphere created by the island's rich culture and traditions encouraged young people to freely express themselves through the art of words.

Think of poetry as a flower that requires water and sunlight to grow. This wasn't just about giving the flower the right conditions in Walcott's hometown; it was more like planting a garden where all the kids could see their own flowers flourishing. There, learning poetry involved more than just memorizing lines or comprehending the meaning of verses. It was yelling them aloud, acting them out, and allowing them to blossom through deeds.

This meant embracing poetry with fervor and vigor, especially for young boys. As though they were staging a spectacular performance for the public, they would recite lines across the streets and recite poetry. With this method, reading was no longer merely a passive activity but an active one. These children were inspired to empathize with the poetic expressions and allow their own voices to be heard by physically and emotionally participating.

This vibrant culture of expression taught Walcott early on that poetry is more than just the written word; it's also about how, when shared freely, it can evoke feelings and stimulate thought. His upbringing served as the basis for his conviction that literature has the ability to unite people and spur personal development. His early recollections continued to serve as a beacon of inspiration for his quest for artistic greatness even as he rose to fame as a poet.

Essentially, Walcott's observations about his early exposure to poetry depict a society that was firmly anchored in its cultural legacy and where creativity was fostered via active participation as opposed to passive observation. Many people today still agree with this philosophy because they recognize the importance of incorporating art into daily life and self-expression.