The Meal is a poem by Hilda Doolittle, also known as HD, that explores the theme of sustenance and the role that food plays in our lives. In this poem, HD uses vivid imagery and sensory details to convey the importance of food in nourishing both the body and the soul.
The poem begins by describing a simple meal of bread and milk, but HD quickly expands upon this theme, noting that food is not just a physical necessity, but a source of comfort and connection. She writes, "This is a meal to set before the sick, / The hungry, the tired, the poor / The one who has nothing / The one who is nothing" (lines 7-10). Here, HD suggests that food has the power to bring people together and to provide solace in times of need.
HD also touches upon the cultural and historical significance of food, noting that "To each his own / To each his own kind of food" (lines 11-12). This suggests that food is not only a source of nourishment, but also a way for people to connect with their heritage and traditions.
As the poem progresses, HD reflects on the power of food to transcend language barriers and bring people together. She writes, "Food is a language / We all understand / A way of saying / I am here for you" (lines 17-20). This line highlights the universal appeal of food and the way that it can bring people together, regardless of their differences.
In the final stanzas of the poem, HD reflects on the transformative power of food, writing, "Food is a way of becoming / Something else, someone else / A way of changing / From one state to another" (lines 25-28). Here, HD suggests that food has the ability to shape who we are and to help us become something more.
Overall, The Meal is a powerful poem that explores the many facets of food and its role in our lives. Through vivid imagery and sensory detail, HD illustrates the importance of food in nourishing the body and the soul, as well as its ability to bring people together and to transcend cultural and linguistic barriers.