People think that there is a country there that these people are only around when they are on CNN. I don't think that's limited to Haiti.
Edwidge DanticatSalt is a powerful symbol in Haiti, as elsewhere. Salt of the earth, for example is an American phrase. In Haiti, myth and legend has it that if you are turned into a zombie, if someone gives you a taste of salt, then you can come back to life. And in the life of the fishermen, there are so many little things about salt that I wanted to incorporate. The salt in the air. The crackling of salt in the fire. There's all this damage, this peeling of the fishing boats from the sea salt. But there is also healing from it, sea baths that are supposed to heal all kinds of aches and wounds.
Edwidge DanticatThe people did not elect me. I speak with one voice that may echo other people, but I am part of a group of people. That's not distancing yourself from a community, that's also allowing the space for others to speak for themselves.
Edwidge DanticatYou learned in school that you have pencils and paper only because the trees gave themselves in unconditional sacrifice.
Edwidge Danticat