Poetry Collection: Bread, Wine and Salt

Introduction
"Bread, Wine and Salt" is a poetry collection by Canadian poet Alden Nowlan, published in 1967. Nowlan is popular as one of Canada's a lot of appreciated poets, who has composed thoroughly about the experiences of the working-class people in rural neighborhoods. In this collection, Nowlan provides a deeply personal and informative expedition of themes such as memory, identity, social criticism, and the struggle to find one's place on the planet. Through these poems, we are provided a sense of the intricacies of life, often revealing a poignant analysis of the human condition.

Thematic Exploration
The poems in "Bread, Wine, and Salt" explore a selection of themes, among which is the value of memory. In numerous poems, Nowlan blogs about his childhood and past experiences, utilizing brilliant imagery and emotional language to communicate the richness and formative power of these memories. In the poem "Sonnets of Alden Nowlan", he writes, "All in a single sluggish instant/ at sunset I saw/ the whole guy/ susceptible and armed and lovely/ somebody I enjoyed/ from long back".

Memory serves to link the poet's past and present, in addition to inform the reader about the roots of his identity. The recollection of past experiences and emotions hints at the vulnerability and mankind covert underneath the surface, advising us of the significance of valuing our individual histories and valuing the minutes that shape who we are.

Another main style in "Bread, Wine, and Salt" is identity. Nowlan explores the battle of discovering one's place on the planet, particularly as somebody from a working-class background in a rural setting. Through his poems, we see the poet coming to grips with the principle of self-respect and his role in society, typically handling the point of view of an outsider looking in. This expedition of identity is exposed in poems such as "St. Kateri Tekakwitha", where the poet composes, "I know they would understand I was in the wrong place/ despite the fact that they might not describe it".

In his portrayal of the battles and uncertainties faced by regular individuals, Nowlan offers a powerful social review, highlighting the interference of societal norms, expectations, and stereotypes on individual lives. Through this thematic exploration, the reader is delegated ponder the significance of societal and individual values and the complex relationship that exists between them.

Design and Language
Nowlan uses a diverse variety of poetic styles and kinds in "Bread, Wine, and Salt", such as totally free verse, sonnets, and narrative types. He uses vibrant and expressive images to draw the reader into the emotional landscapes of his poems, efficiently showing the human condition's complexities and depths.

For example, in the poem, "The Silence of Man and the Silence of Woman", the poet composes, "He waits beside the river in the dusk/ listening to the waves lapping at the wharf/ and the church bell calling the hours/ and a gull's cry, like a sailor's, authentic and repulsive/ and stunning as a whore's rouged cheek".

Nowlan's language is easy and accessible, yet rich with meaning. He frequently utilizes signs and metaphors to convey deeper realities about love, loss, and the struggle for self-discovery. The poet's special design, characterized by its raw feeling and stark sincerity, helps to express the vulnerability and durability of the human spirit.

Conclusion
Alden Nowlan's "Bread, Wine, and Salt" is an extensive and moving collection of poems that digs deeply into the intricacies of human experience. Through his exploration of themes such as memory, identity, and social review, Nowlan provides a powerful reflection on love, loss, and discovery. His available and expressive language, integrated with his varied variety of poetic designs, serves to expose the charm and vulnerability that lie at the heart of the human condition. The collection stays an ageless classic in Canadian literature, resonating with readers who appreciate honest, insightful, and deeply human works of poetry.