Blessing

Question 1

“The skin cracks like a pod.”

Answer 1

The simile draws a vivid comparison between dry human skin and a pod splitting open, emphasizing the harshness of the drought.
The visceral imagery evokes pain and suffering, immersing the reader in the desperation of those living without water.
The word “cracks” suggests not only physical damage but also emotional and social fragmentation caused by scarcity.
This opening line starkly contrasts with the celebratory tone later in the poem, reflecting Dharker’s purpose of showing how water transforms life.
By beginning with an image of extreme suffering, Dharker compels the reader to acknowledge the devastating effects of inequality.

Question 2

“There never is enough water.”

Answer 2

The blunt declarative sentence emphasizes the harsh reality of scarcity.
The use of “never” introduces a sense of permanence to their suffering, underscoring the critical value of water.
This statement not only highlights the inequality between those with access to water and those without, but also reflects Dharker’s broader purpose of raising awareness about global disparities.
The bleakness of this line connects with the earlier imagery of “cracks,” painting a world of deprivation that contrasts sharply with the abundance described later in the poem.
This shift mirrors how Dharker uses water to symbolize hope amidst adversity.

Question 3

“The voice of a kindly god.”

Answer 3

The metaphor imbues water with divine significance, portraying it as a miraculous and almost spiritual presence.
The adjective “kindly” contrasts the earlier suffering, suggesting that water brings relief, life, and hope. This reverence reflects Dharker’s intent to emphasize water’s life-giving power, particularly in regions where it is scarce.
The shift in tone from the earlier despair connects to the idea that something as basic as water can become a source of profound gratitude.
Dharker uses this line to critique how unequal access to such necessities reflects broader social injustices.

Question 4

“A sudden rush of fortune.”

Answer 4

The metaphor associates water with wealth, reinforcing its preciousness.
The word “rush” suggests a chaotic yet joyous abundance, while “fortune” evokes imagery of treasure and prosperity.
This highlights the transformative power of water, shifting the tone of the poem from despair to celebration.
The link between this line and the earlier suffering highlights Dharker’s purpose of contrasting deprivation with abundance, making the reader reflect on their own privilege.
By portraying water as a treasure, Dharker critiques global inequalities where access to this “fortune” is reserved for the privileged.

Question 5

“Silver crashes to the ground.”

Answer 5

The metaphor comparing water to “silver” emphasizes its value and beauty.
The onomatopoeic “crashes” conveys the overwhelming and almost violent arrival of water, heightening the sensory experience.
This line exemplifies how water, which many take for granted, becomes a life-giving force for those who lack it.
The celebratory imagery here contrasts sharply with the earlier bleakness of “cracks,” completing the poem’s tonal shift from despair to joy.
Dharker’s purpose is clear: to highlight how something as simple as water can have a profound and almost sacred significance in the lives of marginalized communities, urging readers to reflect on their own privileged access to resources.

Question 6

Structure

Answer 6

• Free verse:
• Reflects the unpredictable and chaotic nature of water.
• Lack of rhyme and irregular line lengths mirror the instability of life in drought-stricken areas.

• Shifts in tone:
• Moves from despair (“The skin cracks like a pod”) to celebration (“Silver crashes to the ground”).
• Highlights water’s transformative power and the fleeting joy it brings to the community.

• Enjambment and caesura:
• Enjambment mimics the continuous flow of water, adding momentum and urgency.
• Caesura in early lines emphasizes the bleak reality of water scarcity (“There never is enough water.”).

Question 7

Form

Answer 7

1. Compact structure:
   • The poem’s short length (4 stanzas) reflects the fleeting nature of the “blessing.” The brevity underscores how moments of abundance are temporary in this community, adding poignancy to their celebration.
2. Imagery-driven narrative:
   • The poem does not follow a traditional narrative arc but instead relies on vivid, sensory imagery to create its emotional impact. Each stanza builds on this imagery, moving from the dryness of the drought to the chaotic joy of the water.
3. Symbolism:
   • Water is both literal (a life-saving resource) and symbolic (a metaphor for hope, abundance, and even divine intervention). The sacred tone, particularly in lines like “the voice of a kindly god,” suggests water’s transcendent significance in the lives of the impoverished.

Question 8

Context

Answer 8

• Imtiaz Dharker’s background:
• A poet of Pakistani origin with a multicultural perspective, Dharker explores themes of poverty, inequality, and displacement.
• The poem reflects her sensitivity to the struggles of marginalized communities, particularly in South Asia and Africa.

• Global inequalities:
• Highlights the disparity between developed and developing nations, where water is a “blessing” for some but taken for granted by others.
• Religious and cultural significance of water:
• Water is portrayed as sacred and life-giving, described as the “voice of a kindly god,” reflecting its importance in many cultures.

• Urban poverty:
• Likely set in an urban slum with fragile infrastructure, as suggested by the bursting of a municipal pipe.
• Captures the daily struggle of survival in impoverished communities.

Question 9

Themes

Answer 9

Poverty and deprivation
Water as a precious resource
Community and shared joy
Religion and spirituality
Celebration of life