In order to answer an essay question on any poem it is vital that you understand what it is about. This section includes:
- The poem in a nutshell
- A “translation” of the poem, section-by-section
- A commentary of each of these sections, outlining Roger Robinson’s intention and message
“A Portable Paradise” in a nutshell
“A Portable Paradise” is a collection of poems written by Roger Robinson in 2019. Robinson’s expansive verse covers a range of social issues. Here, Robinson explores the power of identity and heritage in times or places fraught with danger.
“A Portable Paradise” breakdown
Lines 1–2
“And if I speak of Paradise,
then I’m speaking of my grandmother”
Translation
- The poem begins in the middle of a spoken conversation
- The first-person speaker links the idea of “Paradise” with their grandmother
Robinson’s intention
- The first lines of Robinson’s poem submerge an ambiguous listener into the middle of a conversation
- Robinson begins with a positive image related to heritage, capitalising “Paradise” to emphasise its significance
Lines 3–5
“who told me to carry it always
on my person, concealed, so
no one else would know but me.”
Translation
- The speaker says their grandmother gave them advice:
- The past-tense “told” highlights the traditional nature of the advice
- They should keep “it” close by at all times, secretly hidden
Robinson’s intention
- The narrator introduces mysterious advice that highlights secrecy
- “It” refers to the “Paradise”, although it is unclear exactly what this is
- The narrator, however, must not let anyone know they have it, suggesting an exclusive yet powerful group
- This lets the readers into a secret and builds an intimate bond
Line 6
“That way they can’t steal it, she’d say.”
Translation
- The speaker now introduces a group who appear oppositional
- The unknown “they” represent a threatening group in the speaker’s life
Robinson’s intention
- Robinson’s third-person plural creates an unidentified “they” and portrays the speaker as isolated and vulnerable
Lines 7–10
“And if life puts you under pressure,
trace its ridges in your pocket,
smell its piney scent on your handkerchief,
hum its anthem under your breath.”
Translation
- The speaker offers further advice, implying this is what he was told by his grandmother
- Robinson provides a list of sensory images that provide comfort in times of pressure
- The advice relates to actions that can be done alone and in secret
Robinson’s intention
- The speaker suggests finding a connection with the natural world in an environment that creates pressure
- Again, the poet implies that an individual must find personal solace in life and keep it private, suggesting again an isolated individual
Lines 11–13
“And if your stresses are sustained and daily,
get yourself to an empty room – be it hotel,
hostel or hovel – find a lamp”
Translation
- The speaker continues giving advice, this time going further to suggest that daily pressure may lead to a more urgent situation
- Here, the speaker suggests finding some shelter, somewhere alone
- The speaker says it does not matter what your background is or what you can afford, but find anywhere you can be alone
Robinson’s intention
- Robinson’s alliterative list highlights a sense of urgency and desperation
- He implies this is felt by those who experience daily pressures
- Again, Robinson’s narrator seems to seek solitude for escape from the world
Lines 14–15
“and empty your paradise onto a desk:
your white sands, green hills and fresh fish.”
Translation
- The speaker now refers to “your paradise”, indicating this belongs to everyone
- This evokes images of objects that remind the speaker of the natural world
Robinson's intention
- The direct address makes the poem personal, like an intimate conversation
- Robinson draws contrasting imagery of both small objects and more expansive ideas in the natural world:
- This might suggest that imagining or remembering places that offer freedom provides emotional escape
Lines 16–17
“Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope
of morning, and keep staring at it till you sleep.”
Translation
- The speaker offers final advice, instructing individuals to find a light and shine it on “your paradise” of natural objects
- The speaker’s instruction suggests this will help distract your thoughts and help you sleep:
- The lines also imply this will give you hope the next day
Robinson’s intention
- Robinson’s poem ends with an urgent instruction, using emotive language and imagery to emphasise the significance of the advice
- Robinson’s speaker appears to speak to a desperate individual who feels anxious and hopeless
- The poem highlights the importance of freedom, which can be found in nature