religion

• Dharker contrasts the temporariness of human power with the ability to create an ideology that lasts.

  • This is shown in Dharker mentioning the "Koran" and calling it a "well used book" showing it's prevalence in modern society"
• Dharker uses this idea to illustrate how paper has the power to communicate something that is so widespread in modern society, showing how the ideas that paper creates and spreads have the power to last long after it.

  • Human power is almost immortalised through religion.
• By mentioning religion, Dharker may also be referring to its potential for causing conflict, a key focus in her collection "The terrorist at my table".
• Dharker also explores religion through her use of light imagery, saying "Paper that lets the light shine through".

  • The "light" here may be Dharker referring to enlightenment and truth, showing how the world should be viewed through this lens and not focused on acquiring power.
• If paper is a conceit (extended metaphor) for human power it depicts how despite man-kinds infatuation with power;

  • compassion and benevolence, and love are sometimes able to "shine through".
• Through the ambiguity of Dharker referring to religion but not to a specific God throughout the poem, Dharker shows her Calvinist and Muslim background.