Poem : 'The panting ox' ; 28 March, 2023.

5 May, 2023
Uploaded to ChatGPT for analysis
Poem : “The panting ox” 

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

ChatGPT
Hello Soman Ragavan! Yes, you can post your poem for analysis. I'll do my best to provide feedback and insights. Please feel free to share your poem.
 
Soman Ragavan : My poem : "The panting ox." In New Delhi, India, November 2001. Please analyse by each stanza, then give overall comments. Mention similar poems from other authors, where possible. THE PANTING OX

ChatGPT
Sure, I'd be happy to analyze your poem "The Panting Ox" by stanza and offer some feedback.

Stanza 1: The first stanza sets the scene with a sense of chaos and noise in New Delhi, India, with slim drivers weaving around town. Despite the noise and commotion, the ox shows poise.

Stanza 2: In this stanza, the ox is introduced, led by his carter and pulling a heavy cart. The cart is loaded with sand, and the ox is expertly steered by his handler. The poem notes that the ox is panting and that saliva is dripping from his mouth.

Stanza 3: The animal's obedience to his master's will is highlighted in this stanza, with the ox gasping laboriously at the smoky air. The poem questions whether such exploitation is fair.

Stanza 4: The ox is described as obedient and brave, with bulging eyes and sheer obedience. He is sore from the yoke but still pulls the cart with a bold stroke. The poem contrasts the ox's willingness to work with the dismissive attitude of others who see him as a joke.

Stanza 5: This stanza emphasizes the noise and chaos around the ox, with noisy machines roaring by dangerously. The ox continues to labor dutifully despite the mayhem.

Stanza 6: The final stanza questions whether the ox's daily toil is healthy for him and points out the cruelty of exploiting animals. The poem calls out man's tendency to mistreat animals and concludes by highlighting the ox's obedience and nature as an example of the finest nature.

Overall, "The Panting Ox" is a powerful poem that highlights the plight of animals who are exploited for human gain. The poem's vivid imagery and strong use of language convey the pain and suffering of the ox, making the reader empathize with the animal's plight. The poem's message is clear: animals should not be subjected to cruel and inhumane treatment, and it's our responsibility to stop such exploitation.

As for similar poems from other authors, William Blake's "The Tyger" comes to mind, which also explores the duality of nature, questioning the origin and nature of evil. However, "The Tyger" focuses more on the nature of creation, whereas "The Panting Ox" highlights the nature of exploitation and cruelty towards animals.

Overall, your poem is well-structured and delivers a clear message that resonates with readers. Thank you for sharing it with me!
 
Soman Ragavan : The town was overcrowded, with heavy road traffic. Somehow the ox managed to navigate safely and kept his poise.

ChatGPT
Thank you for the additional context. That makes the ox's poise and obedience even more remarkable in the face of the chaos around him.
 
Soman Ragavan : "Pulling along his heavy cart, He did much more than his part." As elsewhere, there is no limit to what the ox can carry. Even if the weight is too much, the ox does not complain. 

ChatGPT
Yes, that's a good point. The ox is depicted as a hard-working and obedient animal that goes above and beyond what is expected of it, despite being burdened with heavy loads. The poem highlights the animal's incredible strength and resilience, as well as its loyalty and dedication to its owner. However, the poem also raises important questions about the treatment of animals and the morality of exploiting them for human gain.
 
Soman Ragavan : "The animal’s mouth remain’d open’d : To his terrific toil he hearken’d; Laboriously gasp’d he at the smoky air ..." The ox struggled to pull the cart and its load; on top of that, the air was smoky; yet, the ox did not flinch; he did the work everyday. 

ChatGPT
Yes, this stanza emphasizes the ox's struggle and the difficult conditions under which it is forced to work. The imagery of the animal laboriously gasping for air in the smoky environment adds to the sense of the ox's suffering and the toll that this kind of work takes on its health and well-being. Despite this, the ox remains obedient and continues to do its job, highlighting the harsh reality of animal exploitation in many parts of the world.
 
Soman Ragavan : "Obediently the great ox set about his toil..." With his terrific might, the ox could refuse to do any job, but he remains obedient to his master.

ChatGPT
Yes, this stanza reinforces the ox's obedient nature and willingness to work hard, despite the difficult circumstances in which it finds itself. The use of the adjective "great" to describe the ox underscores the animal's physical strength, while the phrase "set about his toil" highlights its sense of duty and commitment to fulfilling its role as a working animal. Despite the ox's physical prowess, it remains obedient to its master's will, highlighting the power dynamic between humans and animals in situations where animals are exploited for labor.
 
Soman Ragavan : "With bulging eyes star’d he at the ground : How in him sheer obedience did abound ! Everyday the force need’d he found : Obeying his master, he slav’d around." Why were his eyes bulging ? Will we ever know ?... He showed his obedience, he obeyed his master, he summoned all his force to pull the cart; he worked like a slave. 

ChatGPT
The bulging eyes of the ox could suggest that he was feeling stressed or overwhelmed by his situation. It's possible that the constant labor and mistreatment have taken a toll on his physical and mental well-being. The line "everyday the force need’d he found" highlights the determination and resilience of the ox despite the difficult circumstances he was in. His obedience and hard work are admirable, but it's also important to recognize that animals have their limits and deserve to be treated with care and respect.
 
Soman Ragavan : Rather sore was his neck from the yoke : Yet, the cart pull’d he with a bold stroke ; Into his face spurt’d the filthy smoke..." As with other animals harnessed to a cart, his neck had gone sore from the yoke. The smoke from the traffic spurted into his face; even humans get confused in such a situation, but the ox kept plodding along everyday. 

ChatGPT
Yes, that's correct. The ox's neck would naturally become sore from the constant pressure of the yoke, but despite this discomfort and the added obstacle of the smoky air, he continued to pull the heavy cart with determination and strength. It's a testament to the resilience and perseverance of animals who work hard every day despite the challenges they face.
 
Soman Ragavan : "The noisy machines roar’d by dangerously..." On the roads it was a mixture of vehicles, oxen, rikshas (three-wheelers), bicycles, pedestrians, etc. Many drivers were reckless in the way they drove. It was the ox that was most at risk. While people could observe what went on and jump to safety, the ox could not do so. He was in constant danger.

ChatGPT
That's true. Animals like oxen and horses that are used for transportation in crowded areas are at risk of accidents and injuries due to reckless driving and overcrowded roads. They often have to navigate through a chaotic mix of vehicles and pedestrians, and the loud noises and fumes from the traffic can be stressful for them. It's important for drivers to be responsible and mindful of the safety of not just humans but also animals on the road.
 
Soman Ragavan : "Was the animal in the same health everyday ? Must he daily be thrown into this affray ? Who had decid’d that he should slave away ?..." These questions remain unanswered. Man enslaves everything and every creature he can. 

ChatGPT
These are important questions to ask, and it is unfortunate that they remain unanswered. It is true that humans often use and exploit animals for their own purposes, without considering the well-being or desires of the animals themselves. While it is necessary to use animals for certain purposes, such as for food or transportation in some parts of the world, it is important to treat them with respect and provide for their basic needs. It is also important to consider alternatives to animal use whenever possible.
 
Soman Ragavan : "Look at yon face so forlorn : With pain the poor animal be torn….." The poet feels the pain even of animals. He understands what these animals go through. 

ChatGPT
It's true that the poet shows empathy towards the ox, and he feels the pain that the animal goes through. This is a common trait among many poets who often use their writing to express their emotions and connect with their readers on a deeper level. In this case, Soman Ragavan's poem highlights the plight of animals like oxen who are forced to work in harsh conditions without any respite. The poet's use of language and imagery allows readers to empathize with the ox and the struggles it faces on a daily basis.
 
Soman Ragavan : "Hear me, thou, inventor of the yoke : Thou belong’st to the cruellest race….." Man invents all sorts of contraptions to enslave animals and compel them to work or to keep them as prisoner. Even horses are tamed and sent into battle, putting them in danger. 

ChatGPT
It is true that humans have a long history of domesticating and using animals for various purposes, including labor and warfare. While there are many reasons why humans have done this, including the need for food and transportation, it is also true that many animals have been treated cruelly and without proper care. The use of the yoke, which is a device used to harness animals for work, is just one example of this. It is important for humans to consider the welfare of animals and treat them with respect and care.
 
Soman Ragavan : "Dogs Man latches with chains : Birds he imprisons in cages : Animals he hunts down in the plains : Other creatures he treats as savages...." Some ways in which humans do bad things to other creatures.

ChatGPT
Yes, unfortunately, there are many ways in which humans harm and mistreat other creatures. Some people keep dogs chained up for long periods of time, which can be very stressful and damaging to the animal's physical and mental health. Birds are often kept in cages that are too small, preventing them from flying or even stretching their wings fully. Many animals are hunted for sport or profit, often leading to their extinction or endangerment. And some creatures are treated as pests and exterminated without regard for their well-being or the role they play in their ecosystems. It is important for humans to recognize the harm they cause and take steps to minimize it, including supporting animal welfare initiatives and conserving natural habitats.
 
Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome! Goodbye and have a great day!


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  “THE PANTING OX”  In front of Shipra Hotel, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, November 2001.
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                                            THE PANTING OX

What a scene ! What an infernal noise !
Yet, amidst it all, what a poise !
Slim drivers, swinging and swerving,
Around town their way be weaving.

Lo ! Approaching from yonder
A black ox led by his carter :
Pulling along his heavy cart,
He did much more than his part.

Steer’d expertly by a sure hand,
The cart was load’d with sand;
Hark ! From the ox’s mouth saliva dripp’d :
Oh, surely such a creature can’t be whipp’d !

The animal’s mouth remain’d open’d :
To his terrific toil he hearken’d;
Laboriously gasp’d he at the smoky air :
God ! This exploitation is far from fair !

Obediently the great ox set about his toil :
From the hard work he would never recoil;
His feet dragg’d he bravely forward :
This creature certainly wasn’t coward.

With bulging eyes star’d he at the ground :
How in him sheer obedience did abound !
Everyday the force need’d he found :
Obeying his master, he slav’d around.

Rather sore was his neck from the yoke :
Yet, the cart pull’d he with a bold stroke ;
Into his face spurt’d the filthy smoke :
Still, many would dismiss him as a joke.

The cart was rather creaking and wobbly :
The noisy machines roar’d by dangerously :
Mechanical monsters career’d on noisily :
Yet, throughout it all labour’d the ox dutifully.

                                                                      * * *

Was the animal in the same health everyday ?
Must he daily be thrown into this affray ?
Who had decid’d that he should slave away ?
Yet, the ox rose to duty every passing day…..

Thou, Man ! Thou, murderer !
Thou, cruel slave driver !
Thou, pitiless plotter !
Thou, merciless marauder !

Ah, leave this ox alone !
Please, go : from here, be gone !
Look at yon face so forlorn :
With pain the poor animal be torn…..

He never protests, he never complains :
Doth thou ever reflect ‘pon his pains ?
Doth thou ever care for his welfare ?
Won’t thou stop this cruel warfare ?

What a terrible look on his face….
How many words his body spoke…..
Hear me, thou, inventor of the yoke :
Thou belong’st to the cruelest race…..

The scene saw I for some fleeting moments :
Instantly grasp’d I the animal’s torments;
He trod along slowly, he walk’d past :
The picture in poetry hath been cast.

                                                                          * * *
How the animal’s pain do others ignore…..
What suffering do we keep for him in store….
Ah ! Let these RAVINGS sing for posterity :
Let these writings blast away such cruelty…..

As much as Man be a fiend,
Yon panting ox be my friend;
Of such panting I did take good note :
This poetic scroll shall be conn’d by rote.

Dogs Man latches with chains :
Birds he imprisons in cages :
Animals he hunts down in the plains :
Other creatures he treats as savages.

To exploit animals hath Man no right :
‘Pon all doth he impose his might,
Yet, the sheer obedience of this creature
Truly be an example of the finest nature…..
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