A Portable Paradise

"A Portable Paradise" by Roger Robinson

Context

Roger Robinson is a contemporary poet whose work often explores themes of identity, culture, and the African diaspora. "A Portable Paradise" reflects on the idea of carrying a sense of home and peace within oneself, regardless of external circumstances.

The Poem

And if I speak of Paradise,

← Repetition

then I'm speaking of my grandmother

who told me to carry it always

← Imagery

on my person, concealed, so

no one else would know but me.

That way they can't steal it, she'd say.

And if life puts you under pressure,

trace its ridges in your pocket,

← Sensory Imagery

smell its piney scent on your handkerchief,

← Metaphor

hum its anthem under your breath,

← Symbolism

and you will never be far

from home.

And if your stresses are sustained and daily,

get yourself to an empty room - be it hotel,

hostel or hovel - find a lamp

and empty your paradise onto a desk:

your white sands, green hills and fresh fish.

Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope

of morning, and keep staring at it till you sleep.

5 quotes + analysis to achieve a grade 9

1. Imagery: "carry it always / on my person, concealed"

• Analysis: This imagery suggests the idea of keeping one's sense of peace and home close and hidden, making it a personal and intimate source of strength.

2. Repetition: "And if I speak of Paradise"

• Analysis: The repetition of this phrase at the beginning of the poem emphasises the importance and centrality of the concept of paradise in the speaker's life.

3. Sensory Imagery: "trace its ridges in your pocket"

• Analysis: This sensory imagery engages the sense of touch, making the abstract concept of paradise tangible and accessible in moments of need.

4. Metaphor: "smell its piney scent on your handkerchief"

• Analysis: The metaphor of paradise having a "piney scent" connects it to nature and the outdoors, suggesting a fresh, calming presence that the speaker can access anywhere.

5. Symbolism: "hum its anthem under your breath"

• Analysis: The act of humming an anthem symbolises maintaining a personal and cultural connection, reinforcing the idea of paradise as something internal and inviolable.

Form & Structure Points

• Free Verse: Reflects the natural and conversational tone of the poem.
• Imagery: Uses vivid descriptions to make the abstract concept of paradise tangible.
• Repetition: Emphasises the central theme of carrying paradise within oneself.
• Sensory Details: Engages multiple senses to create a rich, immersive experience.

Example Paragraph for a Grade 9 Answer:

In "A Portable Paradise," Robinson explores inner peace and resilience through imagery and repetition. "Carry it always on my person, concealed" suggests keeping one's peace close and hidden, making it a personal source of strength. The line "trace its ridges in your pocket" engages the sense of touch, making paradise tangible. This emphasis on sensory details highlights how inner peace can provide strength in difficult times...