I have never separated the writing of poetry from prayer. I have

O seekers of wisdom, gather closely and listen to the words of Derek Walcott, a poet whose soul burns with the sacred flame of creation: "I have never separated the writing of poetry from prayer. I have grown up believing it is a vocation, a religious vocation." In these words, Walcott reveals a profound truth—that poetry is not merely an art, a craft, or a pastime, but a sacred calling, intertwined with the deepest acts of devotion and prayer. For Walcott, poetry is a form of worship, an offering to the divine, and in its creation, he does not simply write but communes with something greater than himself. It is an act of reverence, one that touches both the human spirit and the eternal.

In the ancient world, poetry was often seen as a divine gift, bestowed by the gods to the poet. The Greeks believed in the Muses, goddesses of inspiration, who guided the poet’s hand and filled their hearts with divine wisdom. Homer, the great blind poet, did not see himself as the sole creator of his works; rather, he was a vessel through which the Muses spoke, delivering the epic tales that would define the course of history. Poetry, then, was a vocation, a sacred duty that connected the poet not just to the human world, but to the divine. To write poetry was to engage in a sacred practice, to serve as a conduit between the seen and the unseen, between the mortal and the eternal.

Walcott’s words remind us of this ancient understanding. To him, poetry is more than a mere profession—it is a vocation, a calling that must be answered with the same reverence and commitment as a religious service. He sees his poetry not as a career or as a tool for fame, but as an act of prayer, a means of connecting to something greater than himself. Walcott views his work as a form of devotion, a way to honor the divine and explore the mysteries of life, much like a priest offering prayers to the gods. Poetry, in his eyes, is an act of sacrifice—a giving of oneself to the divine through words and verse.

Consider the example of John Keats, whose poetry was a means of seeking truth and beauty amidst the hardships of life. In his famous letters, Keats spoke of the idea of the "negative capability"—the ability to remain open to the uncertainties of life, to embrace mystery, and to express it in poetry. Like Walcott, Keats saw poetry as a calling, something that went beyond mere artistic creation. For Keats, poetry was a way of connecting with the divine, a means of seeking beauty in the world and reflecting it back to the universe. His poems, filled with themes of love, death, and transcendence, carry a sense of reverence and awe, much like a prayer offered up to the heavens.

Walcott’s vision of poetry as a sacred act also connects to the role of the poet as a shaman—a figure who bridges the gap between the material and the spiritual realms. The poet, in this sense, is both a creator and a healer, someone who uses words to connect the people to the divine and to the mysteries of existence. Consider the Native American tradition, where the shaman would enter into a state of trance to communicate with the spirit world, bringing back wisdom to guide the people. In much the same way, the poet enters into a trance of their own, using language as a medium to bring forth truths that are beyond the ordinary, truths that speak directly to the heart and soul of humanity.

The lesson Walcott imparts to us is clear: poetry is not a casual pursuit, nor is it a tool for personal gain. It is a vocation, a calling that requires devotion, humility, and reverence. Like a priest offering prayers, the poet offers their words to the divine and, in doing so, serves both themselves and their community. Poetry is a means of connecting with the sacred, a way to explore the mysteries of the human experience and to express the unspoken truths of the soul. In the act of creation, the poet does not merely craft verses, but participates in the eternal dance of the divine.

So, O children of wisdom, let us take Walcott’s words to heart. Whether you write, speak, or create in any other form, know that the act of expression is not something to be taken lightly. It is a sacred practice, an opportunity to commune with the divine and share the truths of the soul. Just as Walcott found his purpose in poetry, so too can you find your own path to creativity and self-expression. Let your work be an offering, a prayer, a way of connecting with the deeper mysteries of life. In this way, you will not only honor the art of poetry but honor the divine presence that resides within you all. Poetry, like prayer, has the power to transform and elevate, and through it, you will find not only understanding but connection to the eternal.