Derek Walcott, a well-known playwright and poet from St. Lucia, frequently highlighted the importance of poetry during difficult or significant times. Walcott was born on the island of Saint Lucia in 1930, and the stunning Caribbean surroundings he experienced as a child had a profound impact on his writing. Rich imagery and a thorough examination of subjects like identity, colonialism, and cultural heritage are hallmarks of his work.

Walcott's assertion that poetry is essential in times of crisis is consistent with his conviction that literature can offer consolation, understanding, and perspective when people most need comfort or clarity. Imagine poetry as a lighthouse beam piercing the mists on a stormy night, providing hope and illuminating a way forward.

This concept is especially relevant given how frequently people turn to art in difficult or turbulent times. In the same way that a community may come together around music during difficult times, Walcott argues that poetry serves a similar function by providing words that capture the shared experience and provide comfort.

Walcott's own writing serves as an example of this viewpoint. His poetry frequently explores the beauty and resiliency of historical and personal hardships. His epic poem "Omeros," for instance, which is based on Homer's works but is set in the Caribbean, demonstrates how storytelling can cut across space and time to provide fresh interpretations of classic tales.

Walcott reminds us that art is not merely a luxury or an indulgence, but rather a necessity—a crucial component of human culture that aids in our understanding of one another and ourselves—by emphasizing the significance of poetry in pivotal moments.