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Welcome to the dVerse Poets Pub for Tuesday Poetics. I’m Kim of Writing in North Norfolk, bringing you a fruity prompt.

Pomegranate in red by Sahand Babli on Unsplash

A poem I read quite a while ago, which made a deep impression on me, is ‘How to Cut a Pomegranate’ by Imtiaz Dharker, a British poet, artist and video film maker who was born in born in Lahore, Pakistan. She grew up in Glasgow where her family moved when she was less than one year old. Her poetry often deals with themes of identity, separation and home, reflecting the experiences of her own life, and she describes herself as a ‘Scottish Muslim Calvinist’.  You can read the poem here: https://www.poetrybyheart.org.uk/poems/how-to-cut-a-pomegranate/

This poem is a very personal and intimate narrative, about a moment shared with the poet’s father, and how the magical fruit reminds her of the place of her birth. Pomegranates are texturally quite wondrous when broken; their insides and outside contrast, with juicy, jewel-like seeds inside a hard, protective husk. The poem refers to the pomegranate’s long and lasting cultural history and symbolism, especially fertility. I love the way it appeals to all the senses.

Here is a link to Imtiaz Dharker reading five of her poems, including ‘How to Cut a Pomegranate’:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLBUJgv7Bus

The challenge is to think of a fruit, how it looks before and after it has been cut open, and how it tastes. Think about where and how it grows, and what it makes you think of. You may choose to write a poem in the style of Imtiaz Dharker, or you can explore the fruit in another way and in any form you wish. Whichever you choose, your poem should appeal to the senses.

If you are new to the Poets Pub, here’s how to join in:

  • Write a poem in response to the challenge.
  • Enter a link directly to your poem and your name by clicking Mr Linky below and remember to check the little box to accept the use/privacy policy. You will find links to other poets and more will join so check back later to read their poems.
  • Read and comment on other poets’ work – we all come here to have our poems read.
  • Please link back to dVerse from your site/blog.
  • Comment and participate in our discussion below, if you like.  We are a friendly bunch of poets.
  • Have fun.