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by Edward O. LeBlanc (Author)
"A wonderful collection that reveals why this extraordinary man is highly revered as the Father of Our Nation."
- Dr. Irving W. Andre, jurist and author of Edward Oliver LeBlanc and The Struggle to Transform Dominica
". . . an admirable collection, with poems that attest to the poetic genius, personal integrity, and the deep and abiding humanity of the author."
-Alick Lazare, author of Nature Island Verses and Carib and Other Stories
". . . a valuable literary artefact of another age and time, whose roots have brought forth spreading expressions of today's Dominica."
- John Robert Lee, Saint Lucian poet and writer
Fragments of the Dawn and Other Poems is a captivating collection of poems that explores the evolution of thought that consumed the mind of a young man as he grew from youth to adulthood, spanning four decades (1947 to 1974). The themes move from aspects of love, grief, ambition, philosophy, and the innate beauty of the Caribbean Island of Dominica where he grew up, from humble beginnings to Head of Government. All but three poems were written in mid-20th-century romantic English styles, adopted and embraced by poets in the British colonies. This style is evident in the works of many well-known Caribbean poets such as Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott. Two of his poems, "Fragments of the Dawn" and "Vade Mecum," received high acclaim in a 1948 publication titled Important American Poets and Songwriters by Valiant Press.
LeBlanc's last two poems, which were written in Kwéyòl, a local dialect, is a testament to the power of language and emotion. The author provides the corresponding English translations. LeBlanc's poetry is described by notable historian and anthropologist Dr. Lennox Honychurch as "a creative treasure that reflect Edward LeBlanc's voyage through life filled with transformative action and personal reflections. Today, his poetry provides us with a valuable insight into the mind of a man, much deeper than any political and social commentary or biographical assessment could achieve." This collection of poems speaks to the universal human experience and offers both solace and inspiration, making it a must-have for lovers of poetry.
