The lines English poet Thomas Hardy wrote under “Chorus of the Earth” in his tragedy “The Dynasts” is relevant to these islands at this point in time.
“We would establish those of kindlier build, / In fair compassions skilled, / Men of deep art in life development; / Watchers and warders of thy varied lands,” Mr. Hardy wrote.
Fifty years ago, Virgin Islands poet Sheila Hyndman (1958-1991) was expressing similar sentiments and prophesied a future that has come to pass when she wrote the following:
“They will come with
tools and machines.
They will bring to light
your secret places,
They will demand your
mysteries.
They will destroy, build up.
They will dilute your
treasures,
And rob you of your chastity.
They will adorn you like
ancient Jezebel.
’Till all that’s left of your
true self
Will be an old and forgotten poem
Like mine.”
1974 discussion
In 1974, I was invited to join a radio panel discussion on the theme of creative arts in the VI. I knew the role of the other presenters around the table except for a young lady in school uniform. The deep impression that Ms. Hyndman made when she spoke about her poetry has stayed with me ever since. While I was busy sketching scenes from the island’s past, she was passionately versifying those times and profoundly questioning the future. I shared her love and concern for her homeland, and in the years that followed we worked towards a common goal.
Almost all of Ms. Hyndman’s poems date from her teenage years. Her output virtually ceased as she entered adulthood, but then it re-emerged in the late 1980s. From the faded pages of school exercise books and more recent typed poems, we pieced together the contents for Reflections. The book was printed and bound in my studio and published in 1989 as a limited edition of 250 copies. Had we not taken the initiative to publish Reflections when we did, her poems would have been forgotten by all but the cognoscenti.
Encouragement
When my own work reached a low point, Ms. Hyndman encouraged me to press on. Her influence can be found in my books Virgin Island Sketches and Caribbean Sketches and the paintings and sculptures in my series “Daughters of the Caribbean Sun.” One of our last conversations touched upon her literary hopes for the future.
My book Sheila Hyndman Remembered contains a reproduction of Reflections and pays tribute to one of the VI’s foremost poets.
To ensure that her memory lives on, the proceeds from the sale of the book will be used to create an annual award in her name for emerging poets.
I leave you with “Revelations,” one of Ms. Hyndman’s poems that speaks of our creative relationship.
“I am a seeker of wisdom.
You are the active force
That manifests my truths
For the good of humanity.
I am a contemplator of what was and shall be,
You are the revealer of the link that is.
I am of the sky and would flee the cares of men.
You are the Earth, the balance that keeps my sanity.
I am night, the creator of
fear and uncertainty.
You are the sun that brings me ecstasy
At the dawn of our union.
I am black with the seed of knowledge.
You are fair
And the fire of your purity
Bounds me to the seat of
wisdom.”
