Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Cinnamon Peeler" is a love poem written by Michael Ondaatje, a Sri Lankan-Canadian poet and novelist. It was first published in 1982 in his collection of poems entitled "Secular Love." The poem explores themes of passion, intimacy, and cultural identity.

Explanation:

The poem is narrated by a cinnamon peeler who speaks of his love for a woman. The cinnamon peeler explains that he can only see his lover at night, as during the day he is covered in cinnamon bark and spice, and his scent is too strong for her to be near. He reveals that his love for her is so strong that he would rather be covered in the bark of cinnamon and remain away from her, than be without her.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, without a set rhyme or meter. The stanzas vary in length, ranging from two to six lines.
• Imagery: The poem is rich in sensory imagery, with descriptions of the scent of cinnamon, the darkness of night, and the touch of the cinnamon peeler's hands.
• Metaphor: The cinnamon peeler's love for his partner is compared to the bark of the cinnamon tree, as both are strong and enduring.

Conclusion:

"The Cinnamon Peeler" is a passionate and evocative love poem that explores themes of cultural identity and the intensity of love. The use of sensory imagery and metaphor creates a vivid and memorable portrayal of the cinnamon peeler's relationship with his lover.

Poem Snippet:

"...I am the cinnamon peeler's

wife. Smell me.”