Kittitian publishes book of poetry in Canada

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – GAVIN SKERRITT, a Kittitian-born poet residing in Canada, has recently made reality a life-long passion when he published his first book of poetry called ‘Over Time’.

‘Over Time’ is said to be a collection of over 60 poems seen through the eyes of a teenager as he grows into manhood. The book was published in February 2011.

Skerritt, who is the son of Elaine French and Bruce Skerritt and nephew of Minister of Tourism Senator Richard Skerritt, told SKNVibes that he has been writing poetry since his days as a student at Basseterre High School.

“Funny enough, I've always been involved in a few different forms of art - music, drawing/paintings. I tried dancing once but for some reason it never fulfilled my desire to express myself artistically, especially since I was often misunderstood to begin with. 

“It was purely by accident that one day as I was listening to jazz on my radio, the music seemed to bring out the urge to write something down. So I did. Then, eventually I got to a point where it became my outlet, much like a journal-writer. It was as if I could have a conversation with someone who understood me, and I soon depended on it during times of emotional distress or otherwise. That was the very beginning,” Skerritt said.

Skerritt said poetry writing has helped to improve his writing skills and that when he was first asked about publishing his work he had already written close to 150 poems.

He said that many people had given him the inspiration to write, specifically his wife, son and other family members as well as close friends.

“Also, the fact that I believe people need an outlet…a hobby to release the stresses of today. What inspires me is the need to inspire others,” he added.

He had migrated to Canada at the end of summer in 2007 and said that his poetry reflects on Kittitian life and roots as well as places he had visited that have left a lasting impression on his mind.

“For example, the first poem in my book is titled ‘I left my heart in Barbados’. We all travel. We all learn from those experiences. Let it be known that two-thirds of my writings were inspired by life in my home country, St. Kitts,” he explained.

The book is dedicated to his family, close friends and his Literature Professor at the university from which he graduated in 2004. 

“My Professor always said that once words have been written they no longer belong to you...they belong to the world,” Skerritt said.

There are plans for a second book of poetry and also one on bodybuilding, a sport discipline in which he has been involved.

“What I want people to understand about me is that I'm no different from anyone else. I was lucky to have the opportunity to compete in both track and field and bodybuilding. I’ve now written my first book. Though I did them for myself, I also did them for my country. I am a Kittitian just like all other Kittitians. I am a dreamer who has huge goals and aspirations, just like all other Kittitians. 

“The young men and women coming up behind us need mentors to inspire them. My only hope is that even if just one person is inspired from anything I've ever done so far, that one person becomes one more Kittitian citizen who can continue in the attempt to inspire those after him/her,” Skerritt said.

The book is an 18-year journey where it is said that many men and women could relate to with respect to growth through love, nature, life and death, family and self-preservation. 

“My hope is that you all enjoy what you read and grow as I have, while looking back on your own memories,” he stated.
Skerritt said his poems are written to promote growth and understanding of the world as he sees it, and that is his contribution to mankind.

“To gaze upon…A child’s adoring eyes filled with pure curiosity, that overwhelms and softens already bleeding hearts, Playfulness, daily chores for never ending restlessness…” is an excerpt from Skerritt’s book of poems. 

The book is available for purchase on www.authorhouse.com, www.amazon.com and at Laws Bookstore in St. Kitts.