Kitchens by Taufiq Rafat
Kitchens by Taufiq Rafat
Kitchens were places
We grew up in.
High-roofed, spacious
With the pungency ( strong taste or smell)
Of smoke and spices
From December beds
We hurried to the cheer
Of wood-fire, above
Which sang black kettles
Once there we dawdled
Over last night’ s curry
And fresh bread dripping
From the saucepan, eggs, (pot)
And everlasting bowls
Of tea. Discussions
Centered on primaries:
Births, deaths, marriages,
Crops. Mother presided
Contributing only
Her presence, busy
Ladling, ladling. Noise (busy serving)
Was warmth. Now in these
Cramped spaces, there is (restricted)
No time for talk. A
Stainless homogeneity
Winks back at our sneers
Chairs are insular
They do not encourage
Intimacy like slats. (Planks-wood)
The table tucks bellies in.
We would not dream
of coming to this place
To savour our triumph (taste good food and eat fully)
Or unburden our griefs
Chromium and formica
Have replaced the textured
Homeliness of plaster, teak
Everything is clean, As a hospital
Explanation of Difficult Words and
Symbols
"Pungency": Refers to a strong, sharp smell, often associated with
spices and cooking.
"Dawdled": Means to take one's time or move slowly, emphasizing a
leisurely, unhurried pace.
"Primaries": Refers to primary or essential topics of discussion, such
as significant life events.
"Ladling": The act of serving food with a ladle, symbolizing the
mother's role in nurturing and providing for the family.
"Homogeneity": Uniformity or sameness, often used negatively to
suggest a lack of diversity or individuality.
"Insular": Isolated or detached, indicating that modern chairs in the
kitchen do not encourage closeness or interaction.
"Tucks bellies in": Implies that the modern table is restrictive and
uncomfortable, unlike the relaxed, open environment of the past.
"Chromium and formica": Modern, synthetic materials that
symbolize coldness and sterility, replacing the warm, natural materials
of traditional kitchens.
"Plaster, teak": Traditional materials used in older kitchens,
symbolizing warmth, texture, and homeliness.
Imagery and Symbolism
Kitchens as Cultural and Emotional Centers: The kitchen
symbolizes the heart of the home, where food, family, and
conversation come together. The shift from traditional to modern
kitchens symbolizes the broader cultural and emotional changes in
society.
Contrast Between Past and Present: The poem uses vivid imagery
to contrast the warmth, intimacy, and homeliness of the past with the
cold, sterile, and impersonal nature of modern kitchens.
Materials and Texture: The shift from natural materials like plaster
and teak to synthetic materials like chromium and formica symbolizes
the loss of individuality and warmth in modern life.
