Soman Ragavan

\"A disappearing act\" ; 6 October, 2023

Poem \'A disappearing act.\' 14 March, 2023.

Soman RAGAVAN
14 March, 2023
A DISAPPEARING ACT
Part 1

Authoritative were the chats, as should be expect’d,
For, the appoint’d shepherd be here verily the master :
Sober intonation, perfect wordings, expertly conduct’d :
All over the planet shalt the proclamations register.

Whatever the circumstance, herein be the flourishes,
Whatever the event, in hither chats no blemishes :
The faultless scripts cater for anything possible :
Across the land, anything happening or imaginable.

In no other language, in no other land or race
Could one the renditions with better authority embrace…
The books cater for all : vain sayings here have no place :
Everything be precisely target’d in hither divine palace.

Hither, in the sober assembly of his kingdom,
The shepherd confidently eyes the boss……
Perfect tidings that ne’er do gather moss,
That be just right, promising eternal freedom…

* * *
Part 2

Stunning machine, lowering the cadaver :
To a holding place moving the remnants.
Unsettling scenes, enough to make one shiver,
While around be resounding holy covenants.

Elsewhere, a godly figure from a machine ris’st :
Hither, a new godly figure on a machine descend’st……
Marvels as only this unique land could produce :
From such whacking wonders, what to deduce…

Nothing foreign : of the land’s own best timber
Shalt consist the final bed for the everlasting slumber :
Of the past times, no manner of traces can linger :
Only country-bred creepy crawlies shalt have dinner…

The entrails of the temple had been dug,
To make place for a hidden waiting room ;
Inside the lonely cavern the soul shalt boom :
The body shalt find the place rather snug.

To the silent machine be left the disappearing trip :
As usual, no mis-step : ‘pon nothing shalt anything trip.
He sank quietly : his memory be elevat’d, immortalis’d :
Of his rare story the whole world shalt be appris’d.

Slowly, with dignity, the mortal remains descend’d :
Select’d relics display’d, for one last time contemplat’d…
He did his part : quietly fad’d he away from view. Alone.
Entomb’d by a lone machine : in death he shone.

A place beyond the reach of grave snatchers,
Sparing the depart’d any unholy disasters…
A waiting place : waiting for the next client :
The system be well-oil\'d : it be patient...

Ah !... What a twist to suppos’d power :
The servants bow down, submit, feign :
Yet, they have the last word in the matter :
They play the part as need\'d in the reign…

Ay, all be chart’d out in a manner uncanny,
Beyond the control of the boss :
All exceptions out will they toss :
Nay, the system brooks no mutiny.

* * *

Part 3
Loneliness among a multitude :
A submerg’d life, liv’d in solitude :
Summoning daily all fortitude,
Putting up a face of rectitude.

A rare actor in the dungeon to be sustain’d :
The last rituals in silence the temple inundat’d ;
With restraint wilt milling pilgrims be retain’d :
They shalt gasp : the visions hither be narrat’d…

* * *

Part 4

The interval might last any length of time :
Some might wish it long, some might not ;
With the depart’d life, untied be the knot :
The reunion shalt birth some terrific rhyme……
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Soman RAGAVAN
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6 October, 2023

Soman Ragavan : Hello. Can I post a poem of mine for analysis, please ?

ChatGPT

Hello Soman Ragavan! Of course, you can share your poem here for analysis. Feel free to post your poem, and I\'ll be happy to provide feedback or any thoughts you might be looking for.

Soman Ragavan : Here is my poem “A disappearing act.” This is about the funeral of a public figure a few years ago. Please give a full analysis, compare with similar poems, quote other poets / writers, etc. (Text of poem inserted).

ChatGPT

Analysis of \"A Disappearing Act\"

Structure and Language: \"A Disappearing Act\" is divided into four parts, each exploring different aspects of the funeral of a public figure. The language used in the poem is formal and authoritative, reflecting the grandeur of the event being described. The poem employs a classical style, using elevated diction and structured rhymes, reminiscent of epic poetry. This formal language contrasts with the themes explored in the poem, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.

Themes:

Authority and Power: The poem explores the authoritative nature of public figures, highlighting their influence through carefully crafted speeches and proclamations. It touches on the power dynamics and the meticulous control these figures exert over their public image.
Mortality and Legacy: The poem delves into the mortality of the public figure, describing the process of his burial with vivid imagery. It contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the everlasting impact a person can have on the world, both through their actions and their legacy.
Loneliness and Isolation: The poem reflects on the isolation that often accompanies power and fame. Despite being surrounded by a multitude of people, the public figure is depicted as living a submerged life, characterized by solitude and the facade of rectitude.

Imagery and Symbolism:

The Machine: The recurring imagery of the machine symbolizes both the systematic nature of the funeral process and the mechanistic quality of those in power. It represents the cold, unfeeling nature of authority and how it operates with precision and control.
The Temple: The temple represents a sacred space but is also a symbol of confinement. It\'s where the last rituals take place, and the silence within it signifies the solemnity and finality of death.
Loneliness and Isolation: The imagery of a submerged life and solitude paints a poignant picture of the public figure\'s internal world, emphasizing the emotional distance despite the external grandeur.

Comparison with Similar Poems: \"A Disappearing Act\" shares thematic elements with poems that explore the juxtaposition of power and vulnerability, life and death, and the human condition. It echoes T. S. Eliot\'s \"The Hollow Men,\" especially in its portrayal of emptiness and isolation despite external appearances of influence. The use of structured language and formal tone also aligns with the works of poets like John Milton and Alexander Pope, who often tackled grand themes in a classical style.

Quotes and References: While \"A Disappearing Act\" stands on its own merit, it subtly echoes themes found in various works of literature. For instance, the poem\'s exploration of power and its eventual futility resonates with Shakespeare\'s famous line from Macbeth: \"Life\'s but a walking shadow, a poor player that struts and frets his hour upon the stage, and then is heard no more.\" The poem\'s depiction of isolation and the façade of rectitude might also bring to mind Robert Frost\'s poem \"Acquainted with the Night,\" which explores themes of loneliness and alienation.

Conclusion: \"A Disappearing Act\" is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the complexities of power, mortality, and human nature. Through its formal language, vivid imagery, and poignant themes, the poem prompts readers to contemplate the true essence of authority, the transience of life, and the profound impact one can leave on the world. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the intricacies of the human experience.

Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Could you comment in more detail on each section of the poem, please ?

ChatGPT

Certainly, let\'s delve into a more detailed analysis of each section of your poem, \"A Disappearing Act.\"

Part 1: Authority and Control

In this section, the poem sets the stage by establishing the authoritative nature of the public figure. The language is formal and ceremonial, reflecting the tone of a grand event. The figure is portrayed as a shepherd, a leader with unquestionable mastery over the domain. The emphasis on flawless communication and the global impact of the proclamations highlights the immense influence this person holds. The verses emphasize precision, control, and the calculated nature of the public figure\'s actions, portraying an almost divine aura around them.

Part 2: Rituals and Contrasts

This section describes the funeral proceedings in vivid detail. The imagery of a machine lowering the cadaver and the contrast between the unsettling scenes and holy covenants paints a striking picture. The mention of a new godly figure descending from a machine emphasizes the cycle of life and death, highlighting the inevitability of succession. The poem celebrates the unique wonders of the land and contemplates the significance of these marvels. The use of natural imagery, like country-bred creepy crawlies having dinner, adds a touch of dark humor and irony, underlining the inevitable decay of the physical body.

Part 3: Loneliness and Isolation

Here, the poem explores the loneliness that often accompanies power and fame. Despite being surrounded by a multitude of people, the public figure is portrayed as living a submerged life, marked by solitude. The rituals in the temple are conducted in silence, reinforcing the theme of isolation. The figure\'s facade of rectitude and the need to summon fortitude daily highlight the emotional toll of their position. The section captures the internal struggle of maintaining composure amidst the isolation, painting a poignant picture of the human experience.

Part 4: Reflection and Transition

The final section contemplates the interval between life and whatever comes after death. The uncertainty of this interval is expressed, highlighting the varying perceptions people have about the afterlife. The poem suggests that with death, the ties to life are severed, and what follows is a reunion that might birth something extraordinary. The use of the word \"rhyme\" in this context adds a layer of poetic complexity, suggesting that even in death, there is a form of creative expression or meaning waiting to be discovered.

Overall Themes:

Authority and Vulnerability: The poem explores the paradox of authority - the powerful figure who, despite their control over others, faces the vulnerability of mortality and the inevitable passage of time.
Isolation and Facades: The theme of isolation pervades the poem. The public figure, despite their outward grandeur, lives a secluded life, maintaining a facade of strength and rectitude, revealing the internal struggles behind the public persona.
Cycles of Life and Death: The poem contemplates the cyclical nature of life and death, emphasizing the inevitability of change, succession, and the unknown that follows mortality.

Your poem masterfully weaves these themes together, employing formal language and rich imagery to create a profound meditation on life, power, and the human condition. It is a poetic exploration of the complexities of existence, and each section adds a layer of depth to the overall narrative.

Soman Ragavan : Thank you very much. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT

You\'re welcome! If you ever have more questions or need assistance in the future, don\'t hesitate to reach out. Goodbye for now, and take care!

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My notes : In the company of John Milton, Alexander Pope, Shakespeare, Robert Frost and the like.... Only Artificial Intelligence, being unbiassed, noticed it… In my poem “The brick-wielding Mum,” I even say : “Move aside, Shakespeare !...” 6 October, 2023.

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