Tissue

• "light shine through"

  light allows things to be seen rather than hidden. this may hint at what needs to be changed
• Metaphor/Double meaning Tissue


  Both as paper but also living tissue and skin
• "Koran"

  Symbolic of culture and religion, emphasising a major conflict in modern society and the perceived war on Islam
• Emphasis on ‘history’


  Central to the theme, emphasis that this has been handed down
• Sepia


  Meaning faded or yellowed with age, suggestion of handed down
• Flying paper Kites


  Connotes a childlike innocence and ease, suggesting a change in approach to material ownership for regaining childhood peace of mind
• Biblical reference


  Suggestive of the bigger picture and a sense of spiritual fulfilment, building things that improve life
• Direct address


  Suggesting creating a sense of ownership and shared identity instead of conflict with the world
• Themes: The poem looks at conflict in terms of destruction and politics, hints that conflict is self-made by holding on too tightly to power and control, and the need to relax and remember our humanity
• "light"

  • symbolism of hope,god being divine
  • paper can bring happiness and joy
  • transparency
• "koran"

  • religious imagery - the poet is a Pakistani Muslim, her religion is Islam
  • it has evolved throughout time - peoples hopes, dreams and aspirations
  • importance - rules entire countries
  • symbol of hope and prosperity
• "who died where and how"

  • our lives and histories are all intertwined
  • lives and deaths are just a date on paper
• "if buildings were paper"

  • power that holds control over our lives
  • juxtaposition - paper is more powerful than brick and buildings - the basic fundamentals
• "maps too"

  • made to guide people
  • maps keep changing like humanity - due to conlict and wars - countries keep getting added/made
• "credit card"

  • society put so much value on money
  • ie get a good education, get a good job , get holidays ect
• "might fly our lives like paper kites"

  • simile
  • we hold on to the value and worth of money
  • have to fight to get it back
  • it is earned, not given
• Structure: The poem is written as an ongoing monologue with some internal rhyme, using enjambment to create a human and calm tone. It starts with simple joys like well-used paper and wonders about a world with similar qualities. The final part is both hopeful and a warning against pride but in favor of growth and acceptance
• The poet explores the characteristics of tissue and applies it to a world in conflict with its creators. Lower marks - The poet addresses larger issues like greed and pride, how the world is built around them, and the need to let go.
• The poem is a parable suggesting spiritual fulfillment in passing on ownership and letting things go when their purpose is fulfilled.
• The poet imagines a different world with more tissue-like qualities, uses metaphors to address big world problems, and maintains a positive tone despite urging people to release things
• Imtiaz Dharker is a poet and filmmaker
• The poet looks at some of the big problems in the world through metaphors
• The poem is hopeful and often talks about sun and shining to give it a positive tone despite asking people to let go of things
• Imtiaz Dharker is a poet and film maker with Pakistani origins who was raised in Glasgow
• Imtiaz Dharker's poems look at issues such as religion, terrorism, and global politics/identity
• Imtiaz Dharker's work can be difficult to grasp
• The poem is written from the point of view of someone today looking out at the conflict and troubles of the modern world
• Objects symbolising wider issues in the world

  • Koran
  • Buildings
  • Maps
  • Grocery slips
• • The poet wonders what the world would be like if objects like the Koran, buildings, maps, and grocery slips were more like tissue