Trini poet Roger Robinson

His latest collection of poems is a vivid and poignant homage to the author’s formative years, memories and experiences, and serves as a personal and vibrant education in the cultural appreciation of an island’s history.

The British based writer, performer and lecturer – who was chosen by arts organisation Decibel as one of 50 writers who have influenced black-British writing over the past 50 years – tells Davina Morris about his work and career to date.

You describe the book’s title as “maternal” and “feminine”. What has allowed you to have such an insight into female thinking?

I have grown up in a family run by several generations of incredibly hard working and strong black women who at times were almost magical in their ability to overcome problems.

Were you ever mocked by anyone who considers writing poetry to be a ‘woman’s job’?

No. I think a lot of men want to be poets; to be able to really get your unique way of seeing the world over to a many people as you possibly can. And to effect change without shouting or using brute force. Let’s face it, even macho men want a break at some point. Even macho men want to be gentle and loving sometimes.

When did you discover your love for poetry?

In school in Trinidad we had to read poetry. Not just (Irish poet) Yeats but great Caribbean poets like Nicolas Guillen and Derek Walcott. I aslo had great playwrights who taught at my school like Ralph Maraj. They were extremely poetic when they spoke and in their plays. Also, I’ve grown up with calypsos, which were a very Trinidadian form of poetry.

Having been in Britain since the late ‘80s, do you feel British or are you ‘Trini to the bone’?

Hmmm… I’m a British resident with a Trini sensibility.

What do you miss most and least about Trinidad?

I miss my mother, my sister, beaches and Carnival most. The least is gossip and confusion.

Do you have a favourite poem in Suckle?

I think my favourite poem is “Nest” because it’s magical, but completely true and it’s content is very close to my heart. I also like “Shelling the Peas” because it’s my wife’s favourite. It also captures a meeting space of Caribbean women preparing food but also ironing out grief.

What would you say to those who think that poetry is stuffy/ boring?

You probably haven’t read or seen the right poetry for you yet. That’s like someone seeing three MCs they don’t like then saying hip-hop is garbage. Be patient. The right poetry eventually chooses the reader.

Are you a fan of any hip-hop MCs?

Oh yeah! I like hip-hop lyricists who take hip-hop to an art form. Like Common, Anti Pop Consortium, Ty, Breis, Aesop Rock, Nas, Lupe Fiasco, early Lauryn Hill and Jay Electronica.

What’s your proudest/ most notable career achievement?

I met a woman in Chicago who had little money and was trying to piece together small change to buy a book. She heard me read and when I gave her the book for free, the smile on her face was unforgettable.

Suckle is out now through Waterways Books. (Courtesy The Voice, UK online)