Quote by Grace Nichols: “My mother was a child of the water. My father a child of the fire.”

This evocative quote uses natural elements to symbolize the distinct origins and temperaments of her parents. 'Water' might represent fluidity, calm, or deep emotion, while 'fire' could signify passion, energy, or perhaps a more volatile nature. It subtly hints at the dynamic interplay and contrasting forces that shaped her family and identity, rooted in Caribbean imagery.

From 'The Fat Black Woman's Poems,' this line reflects Nichols's exploration of family history and cultural heritage within the Caribbean context. Her work at this time often wove personal narrative with broader themes of identity and landscape, creating a rich tapestry of experiences and symbolism that spoke to her Guyanese roots.

Guyanese-British poet who came to international attention with her 1983 debut collection I Is a Long-Memoried Woman, which won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize. Her work centres Caribbean women's experiences of the Middle Passage, slavery, migration, and belonging. She is one of the foremost Caribbean voices in British literature.