The Power of Pacific Poetry with Dr. Craig Santos Perez
People of the Pacific are story tellers, passing on their knowledge and experience through song, dance, poetry and more. When communicating ideas such as colonisation, climate change and being part of the Pacific diaspora, world renowned poet Dr. Craig Santos Perez, chooses poetry as his vehicle to disrupt apathy and raise the Pacific voice.
A Professor in the English Department at the University of Hawai’i, Craig is a native Chamorro from Mongmong, Guam. We asked Craig why poetry was so important to Pacific people, especially after the last few difficult years and where their voices can be found. He said “This year there has been a wealth of new publications, including the anthology of Indigenous Pacific Islander Eco-Literatures from the University of Hawai'i Press. Our literature continues to inspire and empower our people during these difficult times.
As Pacific people continue to face global issues like security in the region and climate change, Craig’s poetry helps us find words to express complex feelings. Craig’s poem below, that has been published globally, was gifted to us for this article.
“when the tide
of silence
rises
say “ocean”
then with the paddle
of your tongue
rearrange
the letters to form
“canoe” ”
Click here to find out more about Dr Perez and his poetry.