Poem Analysis - The Island

Introduction: A Sense of Belonging

Milton Acorn's "The Island" is a deeply personal and affectionate portrayal of Prince Edward Island (PEI), the poet's birthplace. The poem resonates with a strong sense of belonging and intimate connection to the land. It begins with a feeling of precise familiarity, transitions to celebratory observation of the land, and culminates in an almost mythical reverence for the island's beauty and origin. The tone is largely celebratory and intimate, shifting to a more reverent and awe-struck mood towards the end.

The Intimate Connection: Home as a Precise Construction

One of the primary themes is the deep, ingrained connection between the speaker and the island. Acorn uses the metaphor of a "mumbly old carpenter" to describe how "home's as precise," suggesting that the island is not just a place, but a carefully constructed and deeply personal entity. The carpenter's meticulous measurements "to the last three-eighths of shingle" emphasize the speaker's intimate familiarity with every detail of the island. This isn't a vast, impersonal landscape, but a place known down to its smallest components, a place constructed, rebuilt and ultimately belonged to.

Measuring the Land: A Theme of Ownership

The poem develops a theme of measured ownership, not in a possessive sense, but in terms of intimate knowledge and experience. The lines "Nowhere... is there a spot not measured by hands; / no direction I couldn't walk / to the wave-lined edge of home" suggest that the speaker has explored and intimately known every inch of the island. The land has been physically, and therefore emotionally, imprinted upon by human presence, including the speaker's. The implication is that this familiarity breeds a deep sense of belonging and identity.

Eyelashes as Wings: A Symbol of Perspective

A striking image in the poem is the metaphor of "your eyelashes are wings / to fly your look both in and out." This image symbolizes the ability to both internally reflect on the beauty and significance of the island and to externally appreciate its splendor. It suggests a balanced perspective, a constant interplay between personal feeling and objective observation. The "jeweled / zigzag low hills" become not just scenery, but a landscape viewed with both intimacy and a sense of wonder. The wings also bring to mind birds, and perhaps a freedom to discover and rediscover the same land again and again.

A Mythical Origin: The Island as Divine Creation

The poem concludes with a shift towards a more mythical and reverent tone. The description of the island as "a red tongue / In the ranged jaws of the Gulf" is a powerful image. The reference to the Indians' belief that "a musical God / took up his brush and painted it" elevates the island to the realm of divine creation. This adds a layer of spiritual significance to the already strong sense of personal connection. The island is not merely a geographical location, but a sacred space, deliberately crafted and named by a higher power. The name itself, "The Island," given in the God's own language, reinforces its unique and irreplaceable status.

Conclusion: A Celebration of Place

In conclusion, "The Island" is a powerful expression of the profound connection between a person and their homeland. Through vivid imagery, intimate observations, and a shift towards mythical reverence, Milton Acorn celebrates the unique beauty and significance of Prince Edward Island. The poem explores themes of belonging, knowledge, and spiritual connection, ultimately presenting the island not just as a place, but as an essential part of the speaker's identity and soul.