Roger Robinson 1967- is a Trinidadian-British poet. His poems have been praised for “finding in the bitterness of everyday experience continuing evidence of ‘sweet, sweet life.'” In his fourth printed collection, A Portable Paradise published in 2019. The poems originate from the tragedy of a London tower block of homes, Grenfell, which burnt to the ground causing the deaths of 72 people. A major factor in the fire was the cladding material which did not comply with building regulations and despite years of protest by residents, was ignored by the powers that be! Robinson’s work has also been described as taking “rage to the page.” In the last poem of this short collection we find the title of the book –
A Portable Paradise – which expresses how we might find comfort in times of distress. Although not specifically mentioned in the poem, what his grandmother told him to carry was a small white sea shell. Note the choice of the word “concealed” which is often used in terms of accusation and threat – a concealed weapon! Also Robinson speaks of “Paradise” not as before or after, but always present. You need to be sure it is not stolen from you. Today, we need to hold on to that which brings us comfort and offers us hope. As in my previous post, hope must not be cancelled. Pause and ponder this poem.
A Portable Paradise
And if I speak of Paradise,
then I’m speaking of my grandmother
who told me to carry it always
on my person, concealed, so
no one else would know but me.
That way they can’t steal it, she’d say.
And if life puts you under pressure,
trace its ridges in your pocket,
smell its piney scent on your handkerchief,
hum its anthem under your breath.
And if your stresses are sustained and daily,
get yourself to an empty room – be it hotel,
hostel or hovel – find a lamp
and empty your paradise onto a desk:
your white sands, green hills and fresh fish.
Shine the lamp on it like the fresh hope
of morning, and keep staring at it till you sleep. Roger Robinson A Portable Paradise
Prayer:
God of mystery and God of wonder,
come and dwell among us. Give to us
not only sight but vision, that we might
catch a glimpse of your paradise dwelling
within us and all around us.
Save us from despair, calm the unease that
seems to encircle and ensnare us day after day.
You, O Light of the World, come shine your light of
fresh hope upon us so that in your light we might see
and in seeing once again have vision for love and mercy,
grace and generosity.
God of mystery and God of wonder,
come and dwell among us.
May paradise not be lost or stolen from us. May its
very presence empower us to love the world and all
its people.
God of mystery and God of wonder,
as you answered the question “Who is my neighbor?”
so speak the same to us – “Go and do likewise” Amen (Luke 10:22-37)
Prayers, Poems, and Christian Ponderings 
I suppose each of us has a portable, personal paradise though I’m certain they come in different forms. Several years ago while on vacation, we woke up early one morning and put out our clothes for the next day, and left to visit another town to see some sights there. On our return, our hotel room has been tidied and cleaned. My jeans were folded neatly over the back of a chair and when I picked them up, something fell to the floor. It sounded like a coin, a dime perhaps. But what we found on the floor was a small, silver cross. We assume that the person cleaning the room tucked it in the pocket. When I told a friend, she said it was a pocket cross, meant to bring calm. Many years later at my retirement, that same friend gave me a tiny, 2” square quilt with a cross hidden inside, and the following verse attached to it: Lay this softly upon your palm, Feel God’s Grace, His Love, His calm. Feel the cross that hides inside, with Jesus’ promise to abide. Lift your cares and joys in prayer, Drawing peace from this little square.
Yes, whatever brings hope should be held to for dear life.
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