Paper Dolls

Summary

"Paper Dolls" is a poem by Sana Rose that explores the journey from societal conformity to embracing individuality and non-conformity.

Abstract

The poem "Paper Dolls" by Sana Rose uses the metaphor of paper dolls to delve into the themes of conformity and the eventual awakening to non-conformity. The poem begins with the imagery of creating paper dolls, symbolizing the uniformity and lack of individuality in society. The speaker initially identifies with the dolls, recognizing the inherent human desire to belong. However, the poem progresses to a turning point where the speaker breaks away from the monotony, unlinking the dolls to symbolize a rejection of conformity. The poem concludes with the realization that disorder and individuality are natural, and that artists and poets, in particular, must embrace their innate non-conformist nature. The work was inspired by the prompt 'Paper dolls' for the NAPOWRIMO in April 2016.

Opinions

The poet expresses that conformity is an 'obsession' that leads to the creation of an 'army' of similar individuals devoid of unique characteristics.
There is a sense of detachment from the paper dolls, as the speaker does not take offense at their 'inanimate unanimity,' suggesting a critique of societal expectations.
The poem conveys that the journey to non-conformity involves embracing the 'disorder' that is inherent in being an individual.
The act of separating the paper dolls is a metaphor for breaking free from the 'chain of monotony and consistency' imposed by society.
The poet believes that artists and poets are naturally inclined towards non-conformity and that it is more challenging for them to conform to societal norms.
The poem is a personal reflection on the struggle between fitting into society and the need to express one's unique identity, ultimately advocating for the importance of individuality.

A poem on the journey from conformity to non-conformity

Criss-cross, criss-cross — the scissor-blades go zig-zag.

Heads and joined arms, joined toes and the hem of skirts — the paper unravels into two-dimensional dolls in multiples of ten.

I toss one more into the trash bin spilling out hundreds of this obsession.

They were my army, with no eyes, ears or mouth, or even a nostril, let alone a nose. And they knew nothing about living or surviving, let alone fighting.

I do not take offense on their behalf, upon their inanimate unanimity— we are just one of them, you and me.

***

In love, our hearts flutter like paper dolls decorating our childhood room.

In pain, we crumple crisply, the papery rustle filling our emptiness.

Their wholeness is only a part of us.

***

I separate the held hands, unhook their toes, singling them, breaking the chain of monotony and consistency.

Disorder is innate, a few paper dolls shall not rewrite it.

Poet’s note:

Poets and artists of any kind are non-conformists by nature. To us, disorder is innate, it is harder to fit in. When born into a society, we are brought up to conform, to join the endlessly similar army of conformists. But, there is a breaking point in life for us, when we break the chains and shackles, when we decide to differ. This poem was a response to the prompt ‘Paper dolls’ for the NAPOWRIMO in April 2016.

Sana Rose is an award-nominated novelist, poet, physician, counseling professional and freelance writer based in Kerala, India.

Paper Dolls

A poem on the journey from conformity to non-conformity

Poet’s note:

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