Singer/songwriter Naomie “Ngozi” Grandison has released her debut collection of poetry and prose entitled “Perched on My Consciousness”.
The 98-page book offers poetic windows into being and belonging, and is a reflective collection of poetry and prose that explores the inner landscape of human experience — emotion, memory, identity, relationships, and self-awareness.
During the official book launch held on the evening of Saturday, April 18, 2026, at Bel Jou Hotel in La Pansee, Castries, Grandison explained that she’s always wanted to write a book because she has something important to share with the world. She told family, relatives and close friends gathered at the event that the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated how life can change so quickly, was one of the reasons that prompted her to finally release her first book.
“Another reason that inspired me to put more energy into having my first book published was attending a book launch last August where my friend, Valyn Eugene, launched her second poetry collection,” Grandison said. “Considering that I have gone through my own struggles, and being a very introspective person, I really felt that I had something to say when it comes to overcoming those thoughts that try to bring you down, as well as how to celebrate our Saint Lucian heritage and connecting with people.”
Grandison started writing poems consciously in 1999 while attending Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC). Prior to then, while she attended St. Joseph’s Convent, she had written a few poems, but it was during her SALCC era that her writing really took off. At first her poems were more personal and written for her own reading, since she focused mainly on her music.
In 2023, on the tail-end of the pandemic, she wrote about twelve poems within a few weeks just to help process everything going on at the time. Traveling to Taiwan in 2024 also helped expand her mind and offered new context.
“I’m really excited about finally putting the book out there in the world,” she noted. “Like they say, life is short, and we might as well make our mark while we are here. To see something in print that I was able to put forth into the world is very gratifying.”
Grandison is a wellness practitioner engaged in health promotion, youth initiatives, and community programmes that seek to inform, uplift and inspire. She believes people need to be more mindful about their mental health. Over the years, she has used her poetry, music and public speaking to make a positive impact health and social issues.
“The book speaks to intimate intricacies, relationships and love, and reflective prose,” said Grandison, who also plays the guitar, shared. “I would really love folks who read the book to feel an increased compassion for others. I want them to feel a sense of pride in being Caribbean. I also want them to feel a sense of self-awareness.”
“Perched on My Consciousness” is structured as a journey through different states of being, moving from introspection and emotional weight to care, connection, and gentle clarity. Through a mix of poetic pieces and prose reflections, the body of work examines how individuals process life’s challenges, navigate vulnerability, and make meaning of their experiences.
Grounded in everyday realities, but expressed through a lyrical and contemplative voice, the collection invites readers to pause and consider their own thoughts, patterns, and emotional responses. Themes such as self-acceptance, resilience, love, cultural identity, and personal growth are woven throughout.
During the book launch, Grandison read poems from her new collection and performed some of her music. Audience members also got the chance to learn about her journey in the arts. The audience was also treated to poetic performances from guest poets, namely Neil Serieux, Valyn Eugene, Glenn Charlery, and Emile Williams. The evening ended with light refreshments, the author signing copies of her new book, and photo-ops.
In one of the captivating pieces of prose, “Grace in Motion”, which Grandison dedicates to Julien Alfred, Saint Lucia’s double medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she writes:
“I have never witnessed such jubilation on a national
scale. It takes a lot to move my people – but this
moment moved us all.
The symbolism of her historic win runs deep. It
awakens possibility. It cracks open the belief we
hold too tightly. It nudges us to believe again.
She knew – this was the way to open doors for
children like herself.”
In one of her poems, “Cocoa Tea and Ital Stew”, Grandison delves into the intricacies of intimacy as she likens her other half to a wholesome meal:
“He feels like a long sip of cocoa tea –
boiled in cinnamon, bay leaf, ginger, coconut milk
with a hint of secret spices.
He feeds my soul
like a bowl of Ital stew –
peas and beans simmered with
pumpkin, spinach, okra –
sautéed with fresh local herbs
and seasonings for flavor:
cumin, turmeric, cayenne pepper.
So deliciously nutritious and fiery.”
Rather than offering fixed answers, “Perched on My Consciousness” creates space for reflection. It speaks to readers who are interested in understanding themselves more deeply and engaging with their inner world in a more intentional way.
Grandison thanks everyone who has supported her along the journey – those who have taught her lessons and brought those challenges, as well as those who have just been cheerleaders. She encourages everyone who is creative to just create for them first and think about the rest afterwards.
Copies of “Perched on My Consciousness” are available on Amazon at US$13.99 each. Copies are also available from the author through her social media handles – ngozigrandi (Instagram and TikTok), and Naomie Grandison (Facebook) – at EC$50.00.
Grandison is already working on another book which will focus on more biographical themes.