'The Time Around Scars' by Michael Ondaatje

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The Cinnamon Peeler1991A girl whom I've not spoken to
or shared coffee with for several years
writes of an old scar.
On her wrist it sleeps, smooth and white,
the size of a leech.
I gave it to herbrandishing a new Italian penknife.
Look, I said turning,
and blood spat onto her shirt.My wife has scars like spread raindropson knees and ankles,
she talks of broken greenhouse panes
and yet, apart from imagining red feet,
(a nymph out of Chagall)
I bring little to that scene.
We remember the time around scars,
they freeze irrelevant emotions
and divide us from present friends.
I remember this girl's face,
the widening rise of surprise.And would shemoving with lover or husband
conceal or flaunt it,
or keep it at her wrist
a mysterious watch.
And this scar I then remember
is a medallion of no emotion.I would meet you now
and I would wish this scar
to have been given with
all the lovethat never occurred between us.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Time Around Scars: A Literary Critique and Interpretation

Introduction

Poetry has always been recognized as a unique medium for expressing the complexities of human emotions. The Time Around Scars, written by Michael Ondaatje, is a collection of poems that deals with the theme of loss and the scars that it leaves behind. The poems are evocative and poignant, and they leave a deep impact on the reader. This literary critique and interpretation seek to delve into the various themes and motifs of the collection and analyze the poetic devices used by the author to convey them.

Synopsis

The Time Around Scars is a collection of poems that deals with the aftermath of loss and the ways in which it impacts the human psyche. The collection is divided into three parts. The first part deals with the loss of a loved one, the second part deals with the loss of innocence, and the third part deals with the loss of self. The poems are written in a free-flowing style, with no particular rhyme or meter. The imagery used in the poems is vivid and evocative, and the language is rich and poetic.

Analysis

Themes

The themes of The Time Around Scars are universal and timeless. The first part of the collection deals with the loss of a loved one. The poems in this section deal with the grief and pain that come with losing someone close. The poems are deeply personal, and they convey the sense of loss and emptiness that the author feels.

In the second part of the collection, the author deals with the loss of innocence. The poems in this section deal with the loss of childhood and the transition into adulthood. The poems are nostalgic and bittersweet, and they convey the sense of longing for a simpler time.

The third part of the collection deals with the loss of self. The poems in this section deal with the loss of identity and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The poems are introspective and philosophical, and they convey the sense of uncertainty that the author feels about his place in the world.

Motifs

The Time Around Scars is rich in poetic devices, and the author uses several motifs to convey his themes. The most prominent motif in the collection is that of scars. Scars are a physical manifestation of loss, and they serve as a reminder of the pain that one has experienced. The author uses the metaphor of scars to convey the emotional pain that comes with loss. The scars, in this case, are not physical but emotional and psychological.

Another motif that the author uses is that of time. Time is a recurring theme in the collection, and the author uses it to convey the sense of loss and the passage of time. The poems are reflective, and they convey the sense of time moving on even as the pain of loss remains.

Poetic Devices

The Time Around Scars is a masterclass in the use of poetic devices. The author uses several devices to convey his themes and motifs. One of the most prominent devices used by the author is imagery. The imagery used in the collection is vivid and evocative, and it serves to enhance the emotional impact of the poems.

The author also uses metaphor extensively in the collection. The metaphor of scars is used to convey the emotional pain of loss, while the metaphor of time is used to convey the passage of time and the sense of loss.

The author also uses repetition to great effect. The repetition of certain phrases and words serves to emphasize the emotional impact of the poems.

Interpretation

The Time Around Scars is a deeply personal collection of poems that deals with the theme of loss. The collection is a meditation on the emotional pain that comes with loss and the scars that it leaves behind. The poems are evocative and poignant, and they leave a deep impact on the reader.

The collection is also a reflection on the human condition. The poems deal with universal themes that are relevant to all of us. The loss of a loved one, the loss of innocence, and the struggle to find one's place in the world are experiences that we have all gone through.

The Time Around Scars is a reminder of the power of poetry to convey complex emotions and ideas. The collection is a testament to the skill and talent of Michael Ondaatje, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry.

Conclusion

The Time Around Scars is a collection of poems that deals with the aftermath of loss and the scars that it leaves behind. The collection is a reflection on the human condition, and it deals with universal themes that are relevant to all of us. The poems are evocative and poignant, and they leave a deep impact on the reader. The collection is a masterclass in the use of poetic devices, and it is a testament to the skill and talent of Michael Ondaatje. The Time Around Scars is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Time Around Scars: A Poetic Journey Through Time and Memory

Michael Ondaatje's "The Time Around Scars" is a hauntingly beautiful poem that explores the themes of time, memory, and the scars that we carry with us throughout our lives. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Ondaatje takes us on a journey through the past, present, and future, inviting us to reflect on the ways in which our experiences shape who we are.

The poem opens with the lines, "A girl whom I've not spoken to / or shared coffee with for several years / writes of an old scar." These lines immediately set the tone for the poem, as we are introduced to the idea of scars and the memories they hold. The girl's scar becomes a symbol for the wounds we all carry with us, both physical and emotional, and the ways in which they shape our lives.

As the poem progresses, Ondaatje takes us on a journey through time, exploring the ways in which our memories are intertwined with our experiences. He writes, "The time between you and me / is longer than the time it takes for a planet / to turn fully round on its axis." This line is a powerful reminder of the vastness of time, and the ways in which our memories can stretch back through the years, shaping our lives in ways we may not even realize.

Throughout the poem, Ondaatje uses vivid imagery to bring his words to life. He writes of "the smell of a few drops of milk / spilled on the table," and "the sound of a car / as it comes into a driveway in early morning." These images are so vivid that they transport us to a specific moment in time, allowing us to experience the memories alongside the speaker.

One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end, when Ondaatje writes, "We are not the same people / this year as last; nor are those we love. / It is a happy chance if we, changing, / continue to love a changed person." This line is a reminder that we are constantly changing and evolving, and that our relationships must evolve with us. It is a call to embrace the changes that life brings, and to continue to love those around us even as they change and grow.

Overall, "The Time Around Scars" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of time, memory, and the scars that we carry with us throughout our lives. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Ondaatje takes us on a journey through the past, present, and future, inviting us to reflect on the ways in which our experiences shape who we are. It is a poem that speaks to the human experience, and reminds us of the power of memory and the importance of embracing change.

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