With a great degree of simplicity, A Portable Paradise by Roger Robinson explores the concept of a personal paradise, drawing on the wisdom of the poet’s grandmother. The poem intends to offer solace and guidance to readers, encouraging them to find refuge and resilience within themselves, even in the face of life’s pressures. The poem’s structure, characterized by loose and conversational lines, creates an intimate and relatable tone, drawing readers into the speaker’s confidence as they share this timeless wisdom.

A Portable Paradise: The title poem by Roger Robinson is a poignant and introspective poem that serves as a gem within his collection “A Portable Paradise”. 

A Portable Paradise | SUMMARY & ANALYSIS

Context & Background 

Roger Robinson was born in 1982 in London to Trinidadian parents. He has a dual cultural heritage, which often influences his writing and perspectives. His work frequently addresses social and political issues, reflecting on topics such as racism, inequality, and injustice. He wrote a collection of poems ‘A Portable Paradise’, it is a powerful and deeply personal exploration of various themes, including the experiences of the Windrush generation, advocacy for the Grenfell Tower fire victims, and heartfelt gratitude to the NHS following the premature birth of Robinson’s son.

The title poem, “A Portable Paradise,” is a lyrical exploration of the idea of “paradise” as a source of solace and hope, and suggests that individuals can carry it within themselves. The poem is a reflection on the wisdom and advice passed down from his grandmother, who encouraged him to carry his own personal paradise with him at all times, concealed and protected from the world. 

Structure 

The poem employs free verse with no rhyme scheme, it relies on the natural flow of language and rhythm to convey its message. The poem is written in the first person, allowing the poet to convey his personal perspective and experiences. Thus, the poem primarily deals with speakers’ thoughts and reflections. 

A Portable Paradise Analysis, lines 1-5

And if I speak of Paradise,

then I’m speaking of my grandmother

who told me to carry it always

on my person, concealed, so

no one else would know but me.

The poem opens with the speaker’s contemplation of the concept of Paradise. It is not presented as a universal or religious idea but as something deeply personal and meaningful to the speaker. This suggests that Paradise is subjective and can take various forms for different individuals. The mention of the grandmother, serving as a source of guidance and tradition imparting valuable life lessons, adds a layer of generational wisdom and cultural heritage to the poem. It implies that the idea of Paradise has been passed down through the family, emphasizing its importance. 

The grandmother’s advice to “carry it always” underscores the idea that Paradise is not an external place but a state of mind or a source of inner strength. It implies that one can access Paradise within themselves, regardless of external circumstances. The lines further suggest one to conceal their paradise implying that it should be a personal resource safeguarded by external influences. These lines serve as an invitation to the reader to explore the concept of Paradise and its significance in the speaker’s life. It sets the stage for further exploration and reflections on Paradise.

A Portable Paradise Analysis, lines 6-10

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

And if life puts you under pressure,

trace its ridges in your pocket,

smell its piney scent on your handkerchief,

hum it’s anthem under your breath.

The grandmother’s advice to conceal Paradise reflects a desire to protect something precious and deeply personal. The idea that “they can’t steal it” suggests that external forces, such as life’s challenges and hardships, must not take away one’s paradise. She hopes to impart that with an inner source of solace and resilience an individual’s paradise can be protected. Paradise, in this context, is not a physical place but a symbolic and emotional concept. It represents a state of mind or an inner sanctuary that provides comfort and hope. Robinsons grandmother’s wisdom shed light on the idea that Paradise is a valuable resource that can be accessed within oneself. 

The lines introduce sensory imagery to convey the tangible and intimate nature of Paradise. The act of “smell its piney scent on your handkerchief” engages the sense of smell, evoking a specific and comforting aroma associated with Paradise. The instruction to “trace its ridges in your pocket” invites the reader to imagine a tactile experience. It suggests that Paradise can be physically felt and touched, emphasizing its accessibility and the idea that it is always within reach, even in the midst of life’s pressures. The lines also include the sense of hearing as she also encourages a form of self-soothing through humming. The use of “anthem” implies that Paradise has its own unique melody or song, which can serve as a grounding presence. 

The pocket represents a concealed and protected space, the handkerchief holds the sensory memory of Paradise, and the anthem represents a source of inner strength and hope. When faced with challenges, the speaker can turn to their concealed Paradise as a source of comfort and stability. The act of tracing, smelling, and humming serves as a coping mechanism, allowing the speaker to regain a sense of inner calm.

A Portable Paradise Analysis, lines 11-15

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.

The next lines illustrate with an acknowledgment of the daily pressures and stresses that individuals may encounter. The speaker offers a solution for those moments when these stresses become burdensome, advising to seek refuge in an empty room. Robinson highlights the idea of using one’s personal paradise as a source of solace and a means to find calmness and connection even in uninspiring or impersonal settings, such as a “hotel, hostel, or hovel.”This inclusivity emphasizes that for anyone, regardless of their circumstances, the possibility of finding a moment of tranquility or respite remains attainable. The mention of finding a lamp holds symbolic significance. A lamp, in literature, often represents illumination, clarity, and guidance, the lamp symbolizes the speaker’s intention to bring light and clarity to their inner world by reconnecting with Paradise.

The act of “emptying your paradise onto a desk” is a pivotal moment in the poem. It signifies a deliberate effort to access one’s inner sanctuary and reconnect with the elements of Paradise. This action suggests that Paradise is not a fixed entity but rather a personal reservoir of solace and peace that one can intentionally tap into. The imagery of “white sands, green hills, and fresh fish” conjures idyllic and serene landscapes. Each element represents aspects of nature associated with tranquility and beauty. White sands evoke pristine beaches, green hills symbolize lush and peaceful landscapes, and fresh fish suggest the abundance of nature’s bounty. 

These lines ultimately convey the idea that Paradise serves as a haven for restoration and renewal. In times of sustained stress and daily challenges, retreating to this inner sanctuary can provide solace and rejuvenation. The act of envisioning Paradise on a desk under the lamp’s light becomes a therapeutic ritual, allowing the individual to find respite from the demands of everyday life.

A Portable Paradise Analysis, lines 16-17

Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope

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

The use of the metaphor “Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope of morning” is significant. Here, the lamp symbolizes illumination, clarity, and the dispelling of darkness. The comparison to “fresh hope of morning” invokes a sense of optimism and the promise of a new beginning. The speaker’s instruction to “keep staring at it till you sleep” suggests a deliberate and sustained effort to connect with one’s inner sanctuary. This persistence emphasizes the therapeutic nature of the exercise, as it allows the individual to immerse themselves in the tranquility of their personal Paradise. By connecting with their inner Paradise, individuals can tap into a wellspring of hope and inner strength. The closing lines underscore the importance of self-care and self-reflection in navigating the complexities of life. This act of introspection and self-soothing becomes a vital tool for maintaining mental and emotional well-being.

A Portable Paradise | Thematic Exploration

Nature

The poem vividly captures the idea that nature can provide solace and sanctuary in times of adversity. Throughout the poem, nature is depicted as a source of comfort, a sensory experience, and a metaphorical representation of inner peace. The notion of a portable paradise suggests that the beauty and serenity of nature can be a source of inner strength, even when facing life’s challenges.

Robinson employs rich sensory imagery to create a deep connection to nature throughout the poem. He encourages the reader to “smell its piney scent on your handkerchief” and “trace its ridges in your pocket.” These descriptions appeal to the senses of smell and touch, evoking a tactile and olfactory experience associated with nature. The mention of a “piney scent” conjures images of lush forests and clean, fresh air. The poem also describes the portable paradise as comprising “white sands, green hills and fresh fish.” These elements are characteristic of paradisiacal landscapes, white sands suggest pristine beaches, green hills evoke rolling landscapes of untouched beauty, and fresh fish alludes to the bounty of the sea. These specific references conjure images of untouched natural environments, further reinforcing the idea that nature serves as a symbol of sanctuary and serenity.

Home and Belonging

The theme of home and belonging is intricately intertwined with the concept of a portable paradise in the poem. The speaker suggests that one’s personal paradise can serve as a metaphorical home, a place of safety, identity, and connection. It is a place that exists within oneself and offers a sense of belonging and security. Carrying this inner paradise is akin to having a piece of home wherever one goes. It becomes a sanctuary amid life’s pressures and challenges.

The poem advises finding an “empty room” in various settings, whether it be a “hotel, hostel, or hovel,” to connect with one’s paradise. These spaces, though diverse in nature, represent temporary refuges where individuals can seek solace and a sense of home. The poem acknowledges that home can be found in unexpected places, transcending physical structures. 

Identity 

The poem explores personal identity, cultural identity, and the influence of family heritage. It suggests that identity is an evolving aspect of one’s self, shaped by personal experiences and connections to one’s roots. The speaker’s reference to their grandmother and the wisdom passed down reflects the significance of cultural heritage in shaping one’s identity. The grandmother’s advice to carry paradise becomes a part of the speaker’s identity, connecting him to his Trinidadian roots. This intergenerational wisdom highlights the enduring influence of family and culture on personal identity. For example, the line “And if I speak of Paradise, / then I’m speaking of my grandmother” signifies the profound impact of familial and cultural connections on the speaker’s sense of self.

The poem suggests that the concept of a portable paradise is a coping mechanism tied to personal identity. It is a means by which individuals navigate life’s challenges while remaining connected to their core sense of self. This personal identity, rooted in the wisdom passed down through generations, becomes a source of inner strength and resilience. The idea of a portable paradise transcends individual experiences and speaks to the shared human desire for a sense of belonging and inner sanctuary. It implies that, regardless of one’s background, there is a common yearning for a place of refuge within the self, a place that transcends cultural boundaries and connects people on a fundamental level.