Alain Lorraine

Lorraine, Alain (b. 1946). Poet from Reunion. The title of his principal work, Tienbo le rein suivi de Beaux visages cafrines sous la lampe (1975), is a Creole expression meaning both ‘Stick together!’ (in times of trouble) and ‘Hold tight!’ (in an amorous embrace). Lorraine's texts are militant and passionate. Both the form and thematics of Tienbo le rein are reminiscent of Césaire's Cahier d'un retour au pays natal. Lorraine has also written a number of simple, direct, and accessible poems about the life of the poor on the island.

[Belinda Jack]