The author's Sri Lankin heritage is the background for the sensuous nature of this poem, and he utilizes a precious island spice as the symbolism for his desire. There are other indicators that define the island setting including the mention of markets, saffron, honey and a monsoon. Culturally, an island lifestyle is implied when the man discusses not being able to look directly at the young woman before marriage and the ever present mother and "rough brothers" who hover around the man's beloved.

The role of cinnamon in the culture of Sri Lanka is important, and therefore it holds importance in the poem. The spice, although becoming more readily grown in more countries, was once grown only in Sri Lanka, adding to the spice's world value yet availability to natives. Cinnamon also involves several steps in the harvesting process so that it is not easily...