Milking Out The Best of ‘Milk and Honey’
By Ruby Cairns
Canadian poet and author, Rupi Kaur has graced us, yet again with the “second coming” (her words) following the release of her firstborn ‘milk and honey’ back in November 2014.
Similar to her first release, ‘the sun and her flowers’ transports us through some of life’s most memorable stages, “wilting...falling...rooting...rising and blooming”. Apart from the themed chapters of the book, individual experiences that one faces throughout their lifetime such as love, loss, identity, abuse and feminism are made stark reference to.
Yet whilst obvious similarities are noticeable between the two books, it seems too far-fetched to suggest that ‘the sun and her flowers’ is a sequel. For starters, this one feels more deep and almost dark in some areas, as it attempts to delve into some of life’s toughest traumas and explore those emotions. Apart from also being physically bigger, ‘the sun and her flowers’ deals with more than its predecessor ‘milk and honey’, which is more based around the stages of different relationships and learning the lesson of self-love and growth.
Rupi Kaur’s unique talent for stringing beautiful words together is simply breathtaking. Her writing appeals to an unbiased audience and is heartfelt and relatable. She is not afraid to speak about issues which are often hushed or avoided. She doesn’t attempt to hide the rawness and grinding truth of subjects such as immigration, rape, mental illness and abuse in all its forms.
The ending to ‘milk and honey’ attempts to demonstrate the good in every situation and the truth which is learned from all bad decisions. The final chapter ‘healing’ revolves around issues such feminism, independence, growth, and maturity. Similarly to ‘milk and honey’ the ending of ‘the sun and her flowers’ has a reassuring essence about it. Suggesting that there is always enough sunlight and warmth for us flowers to rise, grow and bloom again.
Whether a poetry lover or not, both books are a vital read for all. Kaur sends us flying into countless scenarios which force you to feel something powerful and extremely real. Rupi Kaur is inspiring, persistent, and a truly iconic woman of the world. And we should all be counting our lucky stars that her talent was put to such good use.
A few of my favourite excerpts from ‘milk and honey’
chapter 1. the hurting
trying to convince myself
i am allowed
to take up space
is like writing with
my left hand
when i was born
to use my right
- the idea of shrinking is hereditary
chapter 2. the loving
he placed his hands
on my mind
before reaching
for my waist
my hips
or my lips
he didn’t call me
beautiful first
he called me
exquisite
- how he touches me
chapter 3. the breaking
if
he can’t help but
degrade other women
when they’re not looking
if toxicity is central
to his language
he could hold you
in his lap and be soft
honey
that man could feed you sugar and
douse you in rose water
but that still could not
make him sweet
- if you want to know the type of man he is
chapter 4. the healing
the next time he
points out the
hair on your legs is
growing back remind
that boy your home
is not his home
he is a guest
warn him to
never outstep
his welcome
again
A few of my favourite excerpts from ‘the sun and her flowers’
chapter 1. wilting
you ask
if we can still be friends
i explain how a honeybee
does not dream of kissing
the mouth of a flower
then settle for its leaves
- i don’t need more friends
chapter 2. falling
why are you so unkind to me
my body cries
cause you don’t look like them
i tell her
chapter 3. rooting
borders are man made
they only divide us physically
don’t let them make us
turn on each other
- we are not enemies
chapter 4. rising
why am i always running in circles
between wanting you to want me
and when you want me
deciding it is too emotionally naked
for me to live with
why do i make loving me so difficult
as if you should never have to witness
the ghosts i have tucked under my breast
i used to be more open
when it came to matters like this my love
- if we’d only met when i was that willing
chapter 5. blooming
i stand
on the sacrifices
of a million women before me
thinking
what can i do
to make this mountain taller
so the women after me
can see farther
- legacy