'Nine Spice Mix' by Zeina Assam

Why are poems about multiculturalism important?

• Appeal to wide audience about harmony and understanding 

• Change negative racial perceptions and stereotypes 

• Builds empathy of different cultures and encourages compassion

Title: Nine Spice Mix

Author: Zeina Assam 

Year: 2022

Genre: 

Theme: embracing the energising power of multiculturalism

Technique	Quote	Effect
Opens with Alliteration  Personification	‘First they tango on my tongue’	Playfully exhibits how the nine spices, representative of different cultures, dance in her mouth creating exciting and thrilling flavours
In addition Alliteration Personification	‘Cloves, Indonesian natives, lead with a spirited solidarity solo’	Enthusiastically conveys how the cloves of Indonesian origin add vibrance, just like how different cultures enhance unity
Moreover Sibilance	‘Cumin demurs, then surprises with subtle exultation’	Eagerly emphasises how many cultures, like cumin, can raise objection but ultimately bring triumphant joy   Creating flow and a soothing rhythm
Personification	‘Queen of Spices Cardomom.. Gives a nod to flavours’	Depicts how cardamom is an agreeable and well respected spice, bringing a unique element
Ends with personification	‘The unique union of nine for a vivacious global salute’	the harmonious combination of international spices together jovially symbolises the liveliness of multiculturalism

Nine Spice Mix

Nine Spice Mix was written in 2022 by Zeina Assam. The poem is about embracing the energising power of multiculturalism. Assam opens with alliteration and personification in ‘first they tango on my tongue’, playfully exhibiting how the nine spices, representative of different cultures, dance in her mouth creating exciting and thrilling flavours. In addition, she uses alliteration and personification again in ‘Cloves, Indonesian natives, lead with a spirited solidarity solo’

enthusiastically conveying how the cloves of Indonesian origin add vibrance, just like how different cultures enhance unity. Moreover, she uses sibilance in ‘Cumin demurs, then surprises with subtle exultation’ eagerly emphasising how many cultures, like cumin, can raise objection but ultimately bring triumphant joy  

Creating flow and a soothing rhythm. Furthermore, she uses personification in ‘Queen of Spices Cardamom’. Gives a nod to flavours’ depicting how cardamom is an agreeable and well respected spice, bringing a unique element. She ends with personification in ‘The unique union of nine for a vivacious global salute’. It gives a harmonious combination of international spices together jovially symbolises the liveliness of multiculturalism.