"Dying unknown (1)" ; 21 May, 2023

“Dying unknown (1)”

21 May, 2023
Poems “DYING UNKNOWN (1)” to “DYING UNKNOWN (6).”  In April 2021, a man in Norway was found dead in his flat; he had been dead since nine years.

(a) See the following on the Internet, 11 April, 2021 :
(1)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiVpKPC5_LvAhU_DmMBHYDfBKMQFjAAegQIBhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fworld-europe-56677926&usg=AOvVaw2R9yTOlWqpY5M-aP_3m9rF
(2)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiVpKPC5_LvAhU_DmMBHYDfBKMQFjABegQIBBAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fworld%2F2021%2Fapr%2F09%2Fmans-body-was-found-after-lying-in-norway-flat-for-nine-years-say-police&usg=AOvVaw0Sj6hfwXjzxe-iRVeg4kBc
(3)
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwiVpKPC5_LvAhU_DmMBHYDfBKMQFjACegQIAxAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fworld%2Fpolice-inquiry-oslo-flat-dead-body-9-years-b928632.html&usg=AOvVaw0PXw5ZSX00Vp5wA7pVBzKF

The ten happiest countries in 2020 :
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=ten+happiest+countries

(d) How could this situation happen ? About this case, we will note the following, among other points :


(1) the man’s family never got in touch with him for more than 9 years;
(2) the neighbours never bothered to find out about him since the time he stopped showing up; he was not seen to move out; thus, he must have still been in the flat;
(3) nobody bothered for NINE YEARS;
(4) postal mail piled up;
(5) his sudden disappearance aroused no curiosity;
(6) the man could have lain on the floor, moaning for help for a long time;
(7) the water and telephone bills would freeze; they would not increase; if they stayed the same for years on end, the service providers should have checked on the spot;
(8) when the man collapsed, whatever electric and electronic equipment that was on would remain so, unless switched off by a timer;
(9) if the central heating was on, it would remain so, controlled only by the timer;
(10) if an electric heater did not have a timer, it would remain on until it broke down; it might have caused a fire at any time, representing a risk to the other flats as well;
(11) even gas-fired heaters need electricity for the pump, if the hot water had to be pumped to many rooms;
(12) lights that were on would remain so; nobody noticed that the lights NEVER went out; other lights never came on;
(13) if the television was on, it would remain so until it broke down or unless switched off automatically by a device; if it remained on for many days on end, it might have started a fire;
(14) the bills were paid automatically by check-off from the man’s bank account;
(15) his pension was cut off as from 2018 when he stopped responding to queries; nobody sought to find out why he stopped responding;
(16) minimum charges for water and telephone would remain payable; electricity bills would continue and might even have increased, with some equipment never being switched off;
(17) if the bills continued to be settled by the bank, it meant the man had enough money in his account, though his pension had been cut off;
(18) maintenance was not checked in that flat for nine years; a fault with the water pipes, electrical system and gas pipes could have caused trouble; the trouble would not have been confined just to that flat;
(19) if the iron was on, it might have caused a fire that would have affected other nearby flats;
(20) did the fridge remain on for 9 years ?;
(21) if the man had a mobile, after some time of not being used, the SIM would have been de-activated; those who usually phoned him on the mobile would have noticed;
(22) if he had an email address, after a fixed time of not being used, it would have been deactivated by the service provider; within two years of last use, it would have been closed down; those who usually sent him mails would have seen their mails bounce back; if public services sent him mails, they would have noticed this;
(23) if someone had persuaded him to give his ATM card along with the pincode in his last living days, they could have drawn his money, even after his death; traces would remain at the ATM, but the money would be gone and the system would have been fooled;
(24) some banks disable an ATM card if it not used for one year; the user is asked to call at the bank;
(25) the man’s pension was paid up to 2018; for the six years preceding that, his pension was still paid into his account, though he was dead;
(26) if the bank had systematically sent old / disabled people a mail every year asking them to confirm their account details by SMS or email, they would have noticed the absence of a reply;
(27) in many countries, there is no provision for Social Services / Social Welfare to check on people who lived alone and who stopped responding or failed to show up.


(c) Provision must be made for people who live alone to have a rechargeable wireless alarm device permanently on them. If they press a panic button on the device at any time, a wireless signal (using dedicated channels on mobile phone networks) will go out, giving the GPS, and authorities will send help. The person, or a sick attendant, should also be required to send the relevant authorities a SMS every month just to confirm that the person is well and mobile. In any case, a site visit must be made at least once a year and at any time when something unusual is noticed.

(d) In some countries, persons living alone place a sign everyday at a window at a point visible from the road, showing the current day -- Monday, Tuesday, etc…. They change the sign everyday, to show they are still alive and walking. When the sign stops changing, other people would try to find out what had happened.

“(…) A neat skeleton lying near yon brook :
A chilling monument to Man's folly;
Even in the eye sockets, a terrible look…(..)”
---From my poem “Best bargains.” 

“(…) For others, in their graves their BODIES be buried.
Ah, to my grave my BONES will be carried…
My remains will not weigh others down.
‘Pon me will they not have to frown… (…)”
---From my poem “Dying unknown (2)”

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29 April, 2023

To ChatGPT for comments on the poem “Dying unknown (1)”

S. Ragavan : Hello. Can I post a poem for you to analyse, please ?

ChatGPT
Hello S. Ragavan, sure! I'd be happy to read and provide my thoughts on your poem. Please feel free to post it here.
 
S. Ragavan : I will submit the data in two parts. Part 1 will contain background data. Part 2 will contain the poem "Dying unknown (1)". OK ?

ChatGPT
Sure, that works for me. Please go ahead and provide the background information for Part 1, and then post the poem in Part 2.
 
S. Ragavan : Here is Part 1. Don't start the analysis yet. 

------------------

“Dying unknown (1)”

ChatGPT
Thank you for sharing the background information and resources related to the case of the man who died unknown in Norway. Please let me know if you have any specific questions or if you would like me to provide any comments or insights.
 
S. Ragavan : I will post Part 2 now. After receiving it, add it to Part 1, then start your analysis of both together. Give an analysis stanza by stanza, then your overall comments. Make references as you wish. It is about people living alone and dying alone, without anyone to help them, without anyone knowing they are dying. This man lay dead in his Norway flat for 9 years.

Here is the poem : POEM :

(Text of poem)

ChatGPT :

Analysis:
Stanza 1: The poem opens with a sense of inevitability. The speaker suggests that it was bound to happen, referring to the idea of dying alone after living a lonely life. The use of the word “unwholesome” suggests a negative quality, emphasizing the unhappy fate of a person who dies without companionship. The stanza concludes by emphasizing the loneliness and misery of such a life and death.

Stanza 2: The second stanza emphasizes the lack of any mourners for the person who dies alone. The speaker contrasts this fate with the more traditional practice of burying bodies after death, suggesting that this person’s remains will not weigh anyone down or cause any trouble. The repetition of “‘pon me” highlights the speaker’s focus on their own body and the lack of concern from others. The use of “frown” suggests disapproval or disappointment, indicating that the speaker may have felt like a burden during their life.

Stanza 3: The third stanza expands on the theme of loneliness, highlighting the speaker’s sense of being surrounded by people but still feeling isolated. The contrast between “so many” and “solitude” emphasizes the speaker’s sense of being alone despite being in a crowded place. The idea of death being a prelude to life highlights the speaker’s belief that their life was always leading to this lonely end. (Life is a prelude to death. SR)

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza seems to suggest that the speaker lived a life of service to others, but received no gratitude in return. The use of “weary limbs” suggests a sense of exhaustion or fatigue, and the repetition of “ling’ring” emphasizes the idea of something enduring over time. The contrast between “ling’ring notions” and the speaker’s own sense of futility highlights the disparity between their efforts and the lack of appreciation they received.

Stanza 5: The fifth stanza suggests that the speaker’s fate is not unique and that others will experience the same loneliness and isolation. The idea of being despised despite having made sacrifices emphasizes the speaker’s sense of unfairness and injustice. The repetition of “too late” suggests a sense of regret or missed opportunity, perhaps indicating that the speaker wishes they had done things differently in life.

Stanza 6: The sixth stanza highlights the sense of emptiness and isolation in the speaker’s living space. The use of “deathly dwellings” suggests a sense of foreboding or danger, and the lack of family or neighbors emphasizes the speaker’s isolation. The contrast between “animals and men” highlights the idea that humans can be just as cruel as those who cage animals. The repetition of “destiny” emphasizes the inevitability of the speaker’s fate.

Stanza 7: The seventh stanza emphasizes the strangeness of the scene, with its light, darkness, silence, and solitude. The comparison to a cemetery suggests a sense of finality or death. The use of “uncanny” emphasizes the idea of something strange or eerie, perhaps indicating the speaker’s fear of dying alone. The final line of the stanza suggests that the speaker believes they have lived a good life, despite the loneliness and lack of appreciation.

Stanza 8: The eighth stanza suggests that the speaker has learned some lessons from their experience. The use of “we” suggests a more universal experience, indicating that others may have also missed these lessons. ("We" means "I." SR) The idea of judging the ungrateful highlights the speaker’s sense of injustice, and the final line suggests a desire to move beyond this life and into a new dimension.

Stanza 9: The final stanza is a call to action, urging readers to open the portal of poetry and hasten towards immortality. The use of “we” emphasizes the collective nature of this journey, suggesting that the speaker wants others to join.  (They should not join. I am going alone into immortality. SR).
 
S. Ragavan : Now give your overall comments on the poem, considering the notes, the background information, making comparisons with cases you know, etc.

ChatGPT
Overall, "Dying Unknown" by S. Ragavan is a poignant reflection on the loneliness and isolation that some people may experience in life and in death. The poem's message is particularly relevant given the current societal trend towards individualism and the increasing number of people living alone.

The poem highlights the contrast between the traditional idea of being laid to rest in a communal grave with loved ones, and the reality of dying alone and unnoticed, with no one to mourn or bury the body. The speaker in the poem reflects on his own life and the sacrifices he made for others, only to end up dying alone and forgotten. The lines "To bury me they won’t even make a shallow furrow. / Myself I sacrific’d : yet, I be utterly despis’d" speak to the idea that even those who devote their lives to serving others may ultimately be forgotten and unappreciated.

The imagery of the "deathly dwellings" and the suggestion that the place will become a "monument" to man's cruelty and indifference is particularly powerful. The poem suggests that society has failed these individuals, and that there is a need for greater compassion and connection between people.
In terms of style, the poem is well-crafted, with a consistent rhyme scheme and a rhythm that is almost song-like. The repetition of the phrase "lonely life" emphasizes the theme of isolation and reinforces the poem's message. The use of rhetorical questions, such as "Be this a flat ?... Or, be it a jail ?..." and "In what be this different from yon cemetery ?..." encourages the reader to reflect on their own attitudes towards loneliness and death.
Overall, "Dying Unknown" is a thought-provoking poem that highlights an important issue and encourages the reader to consider their own relationship with loneliness and isolation. The poem's message is relevant and poignant, and the style is well-suited to conveying its themes.
 
S. Ragavan : A man lay dead in his flat for nine years. Plenty of other neighbours went about their daily life without caring to find out why he had disappeared suddenly. They lived for nine years with a cadaver next door. Comment on this.

ChatGPT
This is a tragic and disturbing situation that highlights the isolation and lack of community in modern society. It is concerning that people can live next to someone for years without even noticing their absence or showing any concern for their well-being. This suggests a breakdown in social cohesion and empathy, which can have serious consequences for the most vulnerable members of society.

In this case, the man who died alone and unnoticed had to endure not only the loneliness and isolation of his life, but also the indignity of a lonely death and the lack of care from those around him. It is a poignant reminder that our actions, or lack thereof, can have a profound impact on the lives of others, and that we have a responsibility to reach out and connect with those around us.

This poem captures the sense of isolation and loneliness that the man must have felt, as well as the indifference and apathy of those around him. It is a powerful call to action, urging us to take responsibility for our fellow human beings and to create a more compassionate and caring society.
 
S. Ragavan : What can you say about his family that never bothered to find out about him ?

ChatGPT
Based on the information given in the poem, it is not clear whether the man had any family or not. However, the poem suggests that he was a loner and lived a solitary life, so it is possible that he did not have any close family members who were aware of his situation. If he did have family and they were aware of his situation, then it is certainly unfortunate and tragic that they did not take any action to help him or at least ensure that he was safe and well. Ultimately, regardless of whether or not he had family, the fact that he was able to go unnoticed and unaided for nine years is a sobering reminder of the isolation and loneliness that some individuals face in our society. (My note : he was dead for nine years, SR).
 
S. Ragavan : Many Western societies are highly organised, with wide use of information technology. Public bodies must have noticed that he did not respond (voter registration, municipal bodies, tax bodies, banks, utility bodies -- water, electricity, gas, telephone --- but nothing was done to find out. Did social services never notice ? Comment on all this.

ChatGPT
It is certainly shocking to think that despite the advanced technology and various government agencies in many Western societies, no one noticed the absence of this man for nine years. It highlights a failure in the system to adequately track and monitor the well-being of individuals, particularly those who may be vulnerable or living alone. It also raises questions about the effectiveness of social services and the extent to which they are able to reach out to and support individuals who may be in need.

It is possible that the man may not have had any contact with these agencies, but it is still concerning that no one, including his neighbors or acquaintances, raised any alarm or reported his disappearance. This points to a wider societal issue of individualism and a lack of community spirit where people are more focused on their own lives and less concerned with the well-being of others.

Overall, this case highlights the need for more effective and compassionate systems to support and protect individuals who may be vulnerable or living alone.
 
S. Ragavan : In case of the elderly / the disabled, those living alone, if social services had systematically checked (field visits), they would have known. What should be done ?

ChatGPT
Social services should prioritize regular field visits to check on the well-being of the elderly and disabled who live alone. This would not only ensure that their basic needs are met but also prevent cases like the one in the poem, where someone dies alone and remains undiscovered for years. Additionally, public bodies such as voter registration, municipal bodies, tax bodies, banks, and utility bodies should have systems in place to flag and investigate cases of prolonged inactivity or non-response from their clients. This would help detect any signs of neglect or potential harm to the individual and allow for timely intervention. Overall, proactive measures need to be taken to ensure the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals living alone.
 
S. Ragavan : I have suggested that people in such cases should always keep on them an electronic device that will send alerts to the authorities when needed, eg calls for help. Free channels on mobile phone networks should be used. Clearly, people cannot be relied on to help. Technology should be harnessed to help the citizen. Discuss.

ChatGPT
Using technology to help in cases of elderly or disabled people living alone is a great idea. With the widespread use of smartphones, smartwatches, and other wearable devices, it's now easier than ever to have a device that can send alerts to authorities or emergency services when needed.
One of the main advantages of this approach is that it can help to ensure a timely response to emergencies. In the case of the man who lay dead in his flat for nine years, the lack of any system to detect his absence meant that no one knew he was missing until it was too late. With an electronic device that sends alerts, the authorities could be notified immediately if someone is in distress or in need of help.

Another advantage is that it can provide a greater sense of security and peace of mind to those who are vulnerable. For elderly or disabled people living alone, knowing that they have a device that can alert someone if they need help can be a great comfort. It can help them to feel more independent and less isolated, knowing that they have a way to get help if they need it.

However, there are also potential downsides to this approach. One concern is privacy. Some people may be uncomfortable with the idea of wearing a device that tracks their location and sends alerts to authorities. There are also concerns about the potential for false alarms or accidental alerts, which could lead to wasted resources and unnecessary emergency responses.
Another issue is the cost of such devices. While many people may be able to afford a smartphone or smartwatch, not everyone can. It's important to ensure that any system for using electronic devices to detect emergencies is accessible and affordable for everyone, regardless of their income or socioeconomic status.

In conclusion, using technology to help in cases of elderly or disabled people living alone has the potential to be a valuable tool in ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable citizens. However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks and ensure that any system is accessible, affordable, and respects individual privacy rights.
 
S. Ragavan : The device should be given freely to the citizen and all communications should be free. As for tracking, this is already being done through mobile phone locations. In the case of someone who does not go out, tracking issues do not arise.

ChatGPT
While the idea of providing a free electronic device to citizens for their safety is certainly an interesting one, there are some potential issues that should be considered. For example, some individuals may not be comfortable with the idea of being tracked, even if it is for their own safety. Additionally, there may be concerns about the cost of implementing such a system and who would be responsible for maintaining it.

Furthermore, it is important to note that technology should not be seen as a replacement for human connection and interaction. While electronic devices can certainly be helpful, they cannot replace the importance of regular visits and check-ins from family, friends, or social services.

In summary, while technology can be a valuable tool for improving the safety and wellbeing of individuals living alone, it should be implemented thoughtfully and in conjunction with other support systems.
 
S. Ragavan : Regular visits will never be enough. There should be an electronic device permanently available for the person to alert the authorities. Shortly after the departure of the visiting official, an emergency can arise. An emergency can arise at 1.30 am, when there is nobody around.

ChatGPT
I agree with your point that regular visits may not be sufficient, as emergencies can arise at any time. Having a permanent electronic device for the person to alert the authorities would be a more reliable solution. This device could also be programmed to automatically send alerts if the person has not been active or responsive for a certain period of time, which could indicate a potential emergency.

Furthermore, it is important to ensure that the device is easily accessible and user-friendly for the person, especially for the elderly or disabled who may have difficulty operating complex technology. It should also be designed to withstand wear and tear, as the person may use it frequently or in emergency situations.

In terms of communication costs, providing the device and free channels on mobile phone networks would be a valuable investment in public safety. It would not only help prevent tragedies like the case discussed in the poem but also provide a sense of security and peace of mind for those living alone or at risk of medical emergencies.
 
S. Ragavan : As for using the device, just pushing a panic button will trigger off the call for help. As for the cost, states already spend billions on public services, including social care. The state should foot the bill. It is unacceptable that someone should fall in his home, moan in vain for help and lie dead for years without anyone finding out. This makes a mockery of the entire state. The entire national budget becomes a farce.

ChatGPT
I agree with your point that the state should take responsibility for providing such electronic devices to citizens who live alone, especially the elderly and disabled. The cost of providing such devices and free communication channels should be considered as part of the state's social care budget. It is important to ensure that citizens who live alone are not left helpless in emergency situations and that the state is doing everything it can to provide them with the necessary support.

It is also important to note that such electronic devices should not be seen as a replacement for regular visits by social care officials. Rather, it should be seen as an additional measure to ensure the safety and well-being of citizens who live alone. The use of technology can complement the efforts of social care officials and help ensure that emergency situations are responded to in a timely manner.
 
S. Ragavan : To summarise, what ideas do you suggest to provide constant support for the disabled and the elderly and those who live alone ? A register of such people should be kept and focussed attention should be given to them. 

ChatGPT
Yes, keeping a register of elderly and disabled individuals who live alone and need constant support would be a good start. Regular visits and check-ins by social services can also be helpful, but as discussed earlier, it may not always be enough. Providing an electronic device that can alert the authorities in case of emergencies, free of cost, is also a good option. The state should fund this initiative to ensure that no one falls through the cracks and lives for years without anyone noticing. In short, a combination of personal attention and technology can ensure that the elderly and disabled individuals living alone receive the necessary support and care.
 
S. Ragavan : To end, say what you feel about the fate of this man who lay dead in his flat for nine years without people and the state finding out.

ChatGPT
As an AI language model, I do not have feelings or emotions, but I can provide a perspective on the situation. The fate of this man is a tragic example of how isolated some individuals can become and how easily they can be forgotten by society. It is a stark reminder of the importance of community and human connections, and the need to pay attention to those around us who may be vulnerable or in need of support. It also highlights the need for better systems to check on the well-being of people who live alone, particularly the elderly and disabled. Ultimately, the situation is a call to action for all of us to be more attentive and compassionate towards those around us, and to work towards building a more inclusive and caring society.
 
S. Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome. Goodbye!
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                                                        POEM :
                                          "DYING UNKNOWN (1)"
A swirling head,
A tott’ring world,
Clutching at something, anything.
Finally, to drop,
Ne’er to rise again.
A forlorn cry,
Heard by no one…

A silent cry for help,
A cry in the desert,
A cry that went unheard.
In the middle of dwellings, a desert.
A gasp for air,
Breathing his last…

Among the flats, flat indifference.
People, people everywhere, but, no one knew.
No one car’d.
Life went on,
For others,
For millions of others,
Life went on,
The show went on…

Ah, he labour’d : gave life to others :
They gave him death, in terminal shivers.
Would they even care to see the cadaver ?...
Anyway, how could that matter ?...

In yon nearby land, glitt’ring, noble prizes.
Hither, in the ghastly flat, ghostly assizes.
No need for prosecution :
Just all manners of defences,
Excuses…

Among the ten happiest countries,
In the first world,
Not the third world,
The first world :
A cadaver lying unknown for nine years…

Many stroll’d about,
Stroll’d around the flat,
The unknown morgue…

A neat skeleton, fully cloth’d :
In the eye sockets, a chilling look…
The creepy crawlies came,
They ate their fill.
And went.
Life went on…

The creatures went away : silently.
Waiting for the next feast,
Perhaps among the neighbours…

Thus, the martyr died.
Un-lov’d.
Un-notic’d.
Un-mourn’d.
Unknown.
Unwant’d.

A dead lying among the living,
Unknown to all,
A blank story, in verse.
A tale ‘pon which to converse…

A skeleton in clothes,
A cloth’d skeleton.
Some sight,
Some funeral…

Natural causes, they said…
For, ‘tis natural to die this way…
Natural.
Henceforth, the new normal.
The new nature.
The new natural : since nine years…

A dead man still dutifully settling his bills.
From this, some might not even get shivers.
Even after death, he settl’d his bills.
With humanity, too, he settl’d his score…

His skeleton would be the prosecution.
What a trial…
The defence replying to a skeleton.
A skeleton that doth no talking.
No need for it to talk…

Many felt they had no duty.
Of duty they had none, to talk of.
The machines did theirs :
Mechanically, devot’dly :
They settl’d the bills…

Water pipes did not break.
Gas pipes did not leak.
Fire did not break out.
The creepy crawlies were discreet.
Thus, the neighbours were not troubl’d.
They did not face inconveniences.
Heaven be prais’d…

And, there was no stench.
The man spar’d the neighbours any smell.
Silently, cleanly he went.
Not even a nuisance from a smell…

His skeleton would be the plaint.
Plaint with summons. Summons to humanity.
To inhumanity. To inhumanity of humanity.
Inhuman humanity that hath no reply…
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Soman RAGAVAN
Mauritius (Indian Ocean)
Uploaded to My Poetic Side on 21 May, 2023 
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