A CAREFUL PASSION
DEREK WALCOTT
“Hosanna, I build me house, Lawd,
De rain come wash it ’way.
Jamaican song
The Cruise Inn, at the city’s edge,
Extends a breezy prospect of the sea”
Full poem unable to reproduce due to copyright.
ANALYSIS
TITLE:
The title of the poem is oxymoronic in nature. “Careful” connotes use of logic
and good judgement; guarding against mistakes. “Passion” connotes lust and
impulsiveness, being ruled by emotion.
Suggestive of an illicit sexual affair or relationship
EPITAPH: “Hosanna, I build me house, Lawd,” :
Biblical allusion to the parable of the man who builds his house on the sand instead
of the rock. The metaphorical house of love comes crashing down because it was
built on a weak foundation (passion and lust which are fleeting instead of a real and
mutual connection). A tone of frustration and pain is also seen in the persona ’s plea
“ Hosanna…”
STANZA 1:
The first and second line introduce the setting of the poem at the beach with the use
of beach and sea imagery.
“deaden”: hints at the persona’s slight irritation and foreshadows the end of the
relationship (connotations of death)
“Marimba medleys from a local band”: The music helps to suppress his thoughts;
(keep himself from thinking about ending the relationship)
“I watched an old Greek freighter quitting port.” :Cements the Caribbean setting.
Is telling of Walcott’s life and upbringing in the Caribbean and his love for the sea.
Freighters feature a lot in his poetry as in Forest of Europe, Lampfall. The aspect of
quitting port is metaphoric for him ending the relationship.
STANZA 2:
“There the green wave spreads on the printless beach”: There’s no one else
present. The couple is alone.
“Wet hair and a grape-red mouth.”: Highly sexual and sensualized line; thoughtful
and reminiscent tone.
DEREK WALCOTT
“Hosanna, I build me house, Lawd,
De rain come wash it ’way.
Jamaican song
The Cruise Inn, at the city’s edge,
Extends a breezy prospect of the sea”
Full poem unable to reproduce due to copyright.
ANALYSIS
TITLE:
The title of the poem is oxymoronic in nature. “Careful” connotes use of logic
and good judgement; guarding against mistakes. “Passion” connotes lust and
impulsiveness, being ruled by emotion.
Suggestive of an illicit sexual affair or relationship
EPITAPH: “Hosanna, I build me house, Lawd,” :
Biblical allusion to the parable of the man who builds his house on the sand instead
of the rock. The metaphorical house of love comes crashing down because it was
built on a weak foundation (passion and lust which are fleeting instead of a real and
mutual connection). A tone of frustration and pain is also seen in the persona ’s plea
“ Hosanna…”
STANZA 1:
The first and second line introduce the setting of the poem at the beach with the use
of beach and sea imagery.
“deaden”: hints at the persona’s slight irritation and foreshadows the end of the
relationship (connotations of death)
“Marimba medleys from a local band”: The music helps to suppress his thoughts;
(keep himself from thinking about ending the relationship)
“I watched an old Greek freighter quitting port.” :Cements the Caribbean setting.
Is telling of Walcott’s life and upbringing in the Caribbean and his love for the sea.
Freighters feature a lot in his poetry as in Forest of Europe, Lampfall. The aspect of
quitting port is metaphoric for him ending the relationship.
STANZA 2:
“There the green wave spreads on the printless beach”: There’s no one else
present. The couple is alone.
“Wet hair and a grape-red mouth.”: Highly sexual and sensualized line; thoughtful
and reminiscent tone.
