Kwame Dawes was born in Ghana in 1962. He spent most of his childhood and early adult life in Jamaica. As a poet, he is profoundly influenced by the rhythms and textures of that lush place. He is the author of thirteen books of poetry and many books of fiction, non-fiction and drama. His collection, Hope’s Hospice was released in May 2009. He is Distinguished Poet in Residence at the University of South Carolina where he directs the SC Poetry Initiative and the University of South Carolina Arts Institute. kwame Dawes is the programming director of the Calabash International Literary Festival that takes place each May in Jamaica.