Blessing

Blessing

Overview:

  • “Blessing” is a poem written by Imtiaz Dharker, an Indian-Pakistani-British poet and artist.
  • The poem is based on life in a slum in Mumbai, where water scarcity is a serious issue.
  • It explores how the arrival of water is seen as a gift (‘a blessing’) and a cause for celebration.

Themes:

Theme: Scarcity and Value
  • The poem starts with a description of the dryness of the community’s water pipe
  • This scarcity makes the appearance of water not just a relief, but a revered ‘blessing’.
  • The municipal pipe bursts, causing a sudden flow of water which brings joy and celebration.
  • This highlights how something often taken for granted in developed countries is of immense value in areas suffering from water scarcity.
Theme: Celebration and Community
  • The water is seen as a ‘gift’ from a ‘kindly god’ and its arrival makes the community come alive with joy and celebration.
  • Even the smallest drop of water is seen as ‘fortune’ - something precious and worth cherishing.
  • The collective reaction of the community shows a strong sense of togetherness.

Devices and Structure:

Device: Imagery
  • Dharker uses powerful imagery understood universally. The “crack” in the pipe, the “roar of tongues”, and the “liquid sun” evoke a poignant picture of despair turning to joy.
  • By using the image of a “small splash echo”, Dharker captures the significance and impact even the smallest supply of water can make.
Device: Metaphor
  • The “municipal pipe” is a symbol of life in the slum.
  • The “liquid sun” is a metaphor representing the water, relating it to life-supporting vitality.
Structure
  • The poem features free verse and irregular structure, perhaps reflective of the unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of water supply in the setting.
  • The short length of the poem could reflect the fleeting moment of happiness when water arrives.

Interpretation:

  • This poem highlights stark inequalities and calls readers to acknowledge the privilege of having a readily available water supply.
  • While it brings attention to the hardships of living without a steady water supply, it also celebrates the resilience and spirit of communities that deal with such conditions.
  • Overall, Dharker’s “Blessing” leaves a profound impact, reminding readers of the blessings they often take for granted, and the joy and relief it brings to those less fortunate.