"Advance leave, advancing death" ; 30 August, 2023

27 April 2023

Poem “Advance leave, advancing death”

To ChatGPT

S. Ragavan : Hello. Please provide comments and a detailed analysis of my poem "Advance leave, advancing death." This is about Covid in Mauritius. I retired in 2012 and Covid started in March 2020. I wrote for others, but they did not ask for it. The poem does not apply to myself. Civil servants were given advance leave in case they had used up all their leave; they would have to refund the advance leave over some years. Yet, public money by billions was given to pay wages in the private sector. Give an analysis stanza by stanza. Poem starts.

ChatGPT :
Analysis of "Advance leave, advancing death"

Stanza 1: The poem opens with a sense of hopefulness and expectation, with the speaker expressing that they thought they would be "smooth sailing" towards a happy future. However, this expectation is quickly shattered with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic, which has disrupted plans and caused chaos.

Stanza 2: The second stanza paints a grim picture of the effects of Covid-19, with many people falling sick and dying, and careers being destroyed. The virus is described as "mutating" and "supreme," indicating its power and unpredictability. The idea of a "fake new 'normal'" suggests a sense of uncertainty and unease about the future.

Stanza 3: The third stanza takes a more personal turn, with the speaker revealing that they have fallen ill and used up all their leave. They are left with no reprieve and are facing a terrifying struggle for survival. The mention of "dizzying dismay" emphasizes the overwhelming nature of the situation.

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza introduces the concept of advance leave, which the speaker has received but will have to repay if they recover. The idea of "advancing death" highlights the precariousness of the situation, as the speaker's life hangs in the balance.
 
S. Ragavan : What is your overall analysis of the poem and how does it compare with other poems on Covid ?

ChatGPT :
Overall, "Advance leave, advancing death" by S. Ragavan is a poignant and deeply personal reflection on the impact of Covid-19 on the individual and society as a whole. The poem highlights the struggles and uncertainties faced by people during the pandemic, including financial difficulties, health concerns, and the sense of helplessness and vulnerability that can arise in the face of a deadly virus.

Compared to other poems on Covid-19, "Advance leave, advancing death" stands out for its focus on the theme of advance leave and the idea of being left in debt as a result of falling ill during the pandemic. This aspect of the poem sheds light on an often-overlooked aspect of the pandemic, namely the financial strain that it has placed on individuals and families.

At the same time, the poem shares common themes with other Covid-19 poems, such as the sense of isolation and loneliness that can come with social distancing measures, the fear and uncertainty about the future, and the sense of loss and grief that accompanies the death of loved ones.

Overall, "Advance leave, advancing death" is a powerful and moving reflection on the impact of Covid-19, and stands alongside other poems on the pandemic in offering a poignant reminder of the human toll of this global crisis.
 
S. Ragavan : Consider the following in conjunction with the poem and give your comments.

---“While the grass grows, the horse starves.”
--“Praise no man till he is dead.”
Quoted in : Sam Phillips : “3000 Proverbs.” New Delhi : Goodwill Publishing House, c 2017. Full acknowledgements are made here to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

***

“What a contrast ! Today, loneliness and anonymity :
Some day, great focus unleash'd, Lord Almighty !
Today, nobody knows, nobody cares, nobody looks :
One day, attention be turn'd to torrents, from brooks.

” “Might be snuff'd out this life any passing day :
Suddenly all might be gone in a deathly foray…”

---From my poem “Fond la Digue,” written on 3 June, 2001

***

Mohammad Vayid : “Thinking minds v/s fanaticism (ll).” "Le MAURICIEN" newspaper, Mauritius, 9 September, 2004, (page 8).

“….. The Mauritian is a compulsive writer, poet and talker. He itches to put pen to paper --- or to make his views known on any given subject. ….. “…..Mauritius is at the confluence of a myriad of civilisations and cultures, which have enriched its inhabitants intellectually, spiritually and artistically, so that there is no dearth of writers, poets, painters, sculptors, artisans and dramatists --- in a variety of medium of expression, drawing inspiration from a great diversity of sources. Thus we can claim a unique mosaic of works of art, literature and drama as our heritage and the harvest is likely to grow both in quality and originality. …..”

***

“In Mauritius, as elsewhere in the world, anything can be expected from poetry. It can be a way of finding answers to difficult situations, it can find solutions where political messages fail.” Jean-Marie Le Clézio, Nobel Prize for Literature, 2008. (Quoted in "L'EXPRESS" newspaper, Mauritius, 19 April, 1999, page 12).

*** 

ChatGPT :

The first proverb, "While the grass grows, the horse starves," suggests that if we don't take action in a timely manner, we may suffer the consequences later. This proverb can be applied to the current COVID-19 situation, where if we don't take proactive measures, we may face dire consequences in the future. Similarly, the second proverb, "Praise no man till he is dead," cautions us not to judge or praise anyone too soon, as circumstances can change quickly.

The lines from your poem "Fond la Digue" highlight the uncertainty and transience of life, where everything can be snuffed out in a moment. This is particularly relevant to the current pandemic, where life is unpredictable and we must cherish every moment.

The quote from Mohammad Vayid emphasizes the richness and diversity of artistic expression in Mauritius, where poetry can be used to find answers to difficult situations and provide solutions where political messages fail. This is an important reminder that art can serve as a powerful tool to bring about change and inspire hope during challenging times.

Finally, the quote from Jean-Marie Le Clézio reinforces the idea that poetry can be a source of comfort, inspiration, and guidance during difficult times. It reminds us that poetry can be a valuable resource in helping us cope with the challenges and uncertainties of life.

 
S. Ragavan : The saying "While the grass grows, the horse starves" means literally : food is available but the horse does not get it. Relief was available for workers during Covid, but many got a poor deal. Some were given advance leave that they had to refund later. "Praise no man till he is dead" : workers were not praised while they struggled during Covid. After their death, they were publicly applauded.

ChatGPT :
Thank you for providing the context behind these sayings and how they relate to the poem and the situation of workers during Covid. The saying "While the grass grows, the horse starves" highlights the irony that despite the availability of food, the horse is not able to access it, which is similar to the situation of workers during Covid where relief was available but not distributed properly. It is unfortunate that some workers were given advance leave that they had to refund later, adding to their financial burden during a difficult time.

The saying "Praise no man till he is dead" suggests that people often only recognize and appreciate the value of someone or their actions after they have passed away. This can be related to how workers were not praised or appreciated during the pandemic when they were struggling and facing difficult situations. However, after their death, they were publicly applauded for their contributions and sacrifices.

It is interesting to see how poetry can be used as a means of finding answers to difficult situations and finding solutions where political messages fail. The diversity of sources and inspirations available in Mauritius has contributed to a unique mosaic of works of art, literature, and drama. It is important to recognize and appreciate the value of art and literature as a means of expressing complex ideas and emotions and finding solutions to societal issues.
 
S. Ragavan : In England, too, people gathered outside hospitals to applaud those who died during Covid. Were the living ones who risked their lives given a fair deal ?

ChatGPT :
There has been much debate and discussion about the treatment of essential workers during the Covid-19 pandemic, including their pay, working conditions, and access to personal protective equipment (PPE). Some argue that these workers were not given a fair deal, particularly in the early stages of the pandemic when there were shortages of PPE and many workers were at a high risk of contracting the virus. Others argue that these workers were doing their jobs and should not expect special treatment, though many have acknowledged the heroic efforts of healthcare workers, first responders, and other essential workers during the pandemic. Overall, it is clear that the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted many social and economic issues, including the treatment of essential workers, and these issues are likely to remain topics of discussion and debate for years to come.
 
S. Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT :
You're welcome. Goodbye!

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"ADVANCE LEAVE, ADVANCING DEATH… "

--“While the grass grows, the horse starves.”
--Quoted in : Sam Phillips : “3000 Proverbs.” New Delhi : Goodwill Publishing House, c 2017. Full acknowledgements are made here to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

***
“What a contrast ! Today, loneliness and anonymity :
  Some day, great focus unleash'd, Lord Almighty !
Today, nobody knows, nobody cares, nobody looks :
One day, attention be turn'd to torrents, from brooks.”

“Might be snuff'd out this life any passing day :
Suddenly all might be gone in a deathly foray…”
    ---From my poem “Fond la Digue,” written on 3 June, 2001

ADDITIONAL COMMENTS FROM CHATGPT

29 April, 2023 : 

To ChatGPT.

S. Ragavan : Hello. Can I post some writings for your comment, please ?

ChatGPT
Hello S. Ragavan! As an AI language model, I do not have personal opinions or emotions, but I can certainly help you with your writings. Please feel free to post them, and I'll do my best to provide feedback and suggestions.
 
S. Ragavan : On my poem "Advance leave, advancing death." Please give your opinions on the following.

In both England and Mauritius public employees (eg hospital staff) who died from Covid were publicly praised and applauded as “frontliners.” Footage was shown on television.

How were these employees treated during their lifetime ?

Some of them got Covid at work…

“Praise no man till he is dead.”

Quoted in : Sam Phillips : "3000 proverbs." New Delhi : Goodwill Publishing House, c 2017. Full acknowledgements are made to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

The proverb was well heeded…

Look at this :

--- Public employees are given a stock of leave every year. During Covid, if they had used up all their leave, they were given advance paid leave that they had to refund over a few years (they had to refund the leave, which would be deducted from their new leave entitlements).

--PUBLIC money by billions was spent as wage subsidies in the PRIVATE sector, to avoid mass lay-offs.

--If a public officer died before refunding the advance leave, he would have died in debt.

--Thus, billions of public money was given to private sector employees, but public officers were told to refund the extra leave given to them during Covid…

Yet, they exposed themselves to mortal danger every day in dealing with Covid patients or even remaining in a risky environment like a hospital.

--“Alas, through a losing battle my way I weave :
I am sorry, I couldn’t refund the advance leave :
Time be running out : I will have fail’d in my last duty.
The account will not balance out : a regret for eternity…”


-- “In my lifetime was I plac’d ‘pon the back burner :
After my death will I be flatter’d as a “frontliner”…

” ---From my poem “Advance leave, advancing death.”

--“While the grass grows, the horse starves…”
Quoted in : Sam Phillips : "3000 proverbs." New Delhi : Goodwill Publishing House, c 2017. Full acknowledgements are made to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

The horse might be kept in a stable. He sees the grass over there but is not allowed to get there or it might not be given to him. It might go to waste or given to other animals. This horse starves…

-- “I will not die of yon disease : of a broken heart will I perish.”

---From my poem “He is dying, anyway.”

All this is heart-breaking…

Some quotes :

(a) “(…) VISION. A great poet has spiritual insight and can see truths that others do not. Poets have, in moments of vision, the power of understanding, by a kind of instinct, things, their qualities and the relations between them, which ordinary people cannot see. All true poetry is the product of vision or imagination, for it is the expression of it. The poet idealises the real. There is suggestiveness in great poetry. It suggests or implies much more than it says. (…)” 

(b) “(…) In the "Defence" he (P. B. Shelley) insists that the poet "not only beholds intensely the present as it is, and discovers those laws according to which the present ought to be ordered, but he beholds the future in the present." The poet is prophet and legislator, in Shelley's terms, by his untiring efforts "to set the crooked straight." (…)”  

"SELECTIONS FROM SHELLEY'S POETRY AND PROSE." (Edited by Dennis Welland). London : Hutchinson Educational Ltd., 1961.  

(c) “(…) This is the task of the imagination, which must seize the reality both represented and masked by externals, which must perceive, not philosophically by reason or deduction, but intuitively, "les rapports intimes et secrets des choses, les correspondences et les analogies." (…)”  "TWELVE FRENCH POETS. 1820-1900. AN ANTHOLOGY OF 19^TH  CENTURY FRENCH POETRY." London : Longmans, Green and Co., 1957. (Third impression, 1959). (With an Introduction and Notes by Douglas Parmée).

Full acknowledgements are made to the authors, publishers and rights-holders.

ChatGPT
Your poem "Advance leave, advancing death" conveys a powerful message about the treatment of public employees during the Covid pandemic. The juxtaposition of public applause and praise for these workers after their deaths with the lack of support and appreciation during their lifetimes highlights a common societal issue of only recognizing the value of someone's work once they are gone.

The use of proverbs and quotes from other works, such as "Praise no man till he is dead," adds depth and context to the poem, and the imagery of the horse starving while the grass grows serves as a poignant metaphor for the neglect and mistreatment of essential workers.

Your poem "He is dying, anyway" also conveys a strong emotional message about the pain of losing someone, particularly when they are not receiving the care and attention they deserve. The quote "I will not die of yon disease: of a broken heart will I perish" highlights the emotional toll that illness and neglect can take on individuals.

The quotes you included from other works about the power of poetry and imagination to reveal hidden truths and perceptions add depth and resonance to your own work. Overall, your poems convey important messages about social injustice and the need for greater appreciation and support for essential workers.
 
S. Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome. Goodbye and take care!

***********************************   

                                                        POEM :
                            ADVANCE LEAVE, ADVANCING DEATH

Methought ‘twas going to be smooth sailing :
Towards a happy future would I be cruising;
Suddenly the dastardly disease struck :
All around, plans just turn’d to muck.

Striking unseen, Covid-19 rear’d up its head :
Far and wide, myriads of the sick drop dead;
Many a career hath been dash’d,
Upon treacherous rocks smash’d.

Supreme the mutating virus doth reign :
In a fake new “normal,” vainly we feign…
Who be next, whose turn will it turn out :
No one knows : nervously we mill about.

                                        * * *

It had to be me : in one fell stroke,
It fell’d me : I was just the next bloke;
I struggle, I shudder : for air, vainly I gasp :
The malady doth approach in a deathly clasp.

Gone my sick leave : gone my casual leave :
Gone my vacation leave : just sighs, no reprieve.
No more refunds, no more encashment :
Just dizzying dismay, a terrifying torment…

                                            * * *

Some sick leave have I now receiv’d in advance,
That I have to refund, if ever I get the chance…
Some solace : advance leave, but, advancing death :
Advance leave, lapsing life : lost battle of health…

Full well I know : no pleading of mine can matter :
My whole time be at the disposal of the employer :
Not just my time : Sir, Sir, my whole life,
Even if within me the malady hath gone rife…

Ah, the advance leave I might not survive to repay :
Into damning debt will I have to lapse, to fade away…
The end be nigh : I be on my way to the mortuary :
Do take heed, those that will write my obituary…

I will die without refunding the advance leave :
I will die in debt : a sorry sigh have I to heave…
“Some will make it and some won’t…
Some do have luck and some don’t…”
                                 
From the wage assistance scheme, some 270 800 benefitt’d :
In one year 7.6 billion rupees to the private sector went :
Without hesitation, public money to them was remitt’d :
I labour’d as an obedient servant : now be I a force spent…

                                        * * *

In my lifetime was I plac’d ‘pon the back burner :
After my death will I be flatter’d as a “frontliner”…
After my death will my “achievements” be applaud’d :
Ay, after my death will my “sacrifices” be laud’d…

Not refunding my advance leave be a blemish :
To find a solution for this be my last wish;
I wish to pay up fully even after I depart :
As a dutiful servant, will I play my part…

Alas, through a losing battle my way I weave :
I am sorry, I couldn’t refund the advance leave :
Time be running out : I will have fail’d in my last duty.
The account will not balance out : a regret for eternity…
-----------------------------------     

Notes on “herd immunity” and Covid in England; 5 April, 2021

COVID : “HERD IMMUNITY”

        In the early months of 2020, public authorities in England were apparently dragging their feet about tackling Covid resolutely. Some top public scientists even spoke of just letting herd immunity kick in... Herd immunity does happen, indeed, in many cases of widespread viruses. But, at what costs ?... Would those in the scientific community who advocate herd immunity care if they are the ones to fall to the disease in the process ?... Would they care if it happened to their families ?...

2. The Prime Minister himself was struck with Covid… He was admitted to hospital. The Americans said they had sent him the best medical help possible, including a top medical team. There is no doubt that he got the best medical help. After recovery, he said that he was “fit like a butcher’s dog.” See the following on the Internet, 4 April, 2021, about this :

(1)

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-d&q=bori8s+johnson+fit+like+a+butcher%27s+dog

 

(2)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwid6NSCgOTvAhUmEWMBHY79BBcQFjABegQIBRAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.itv.com%2Fnews%2F2020-11-16%2Fboris-johnson-goes-into-self-isolation-just-as-he-tries-to-relaunch-premiership&usg=AOvVaw1P4WYG60TO5z_5XmwGWYlO

 

(3)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwid6NSCgOTvAhUmEWMBHY79BBcQFjACegQIBhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theguardian.com%2Fpolitics%2F2020%2Fsep%2F29%2Fis-boris-johnson-really-fit-as-a-butchers-dog&usg=AOvVaw2T--ZbnfAwC3Ce8F9kLx8l 

 

(4)

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwid6NSCgOTvAhUmEWMBHY79BBcQFjADegQIAhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.standard.co.uk%2Fnews%2Fpolitics%2Fboris-johnson-fit-butchers-dog-selfisolation-twitter-video-b71387.html&usg=AOvVaw2Knlrfs1PO2IoTHboVYDRm

 

3. It was cruel, callous of scientists to speak of “herd immunity” when people were suffering and dying off from the disease. “Herd immunity” in the circumstances meant : “Let the weak, the frail, the unfortunate drop dead along the way… The fittest will survive... Let natural selection do its job… The nation will be depleted but will survive and will be left with strong individuals…” About 112 000 people have died so far from Covid in England since March 2020. As it turned out, the road to herd immunity is littered with the cadavers of the weak, the frail, the unfortunate... They were deficient in immunity : the scientists were deficient in humanity…
4. It was cruel and heartless to advocate herd immunity… In the circumstances, talks of herd immunity were tainted with unheard-of cruelty… What a cruel road, that Herd Immunity Road !… Many were callously left to their own devices on Herd Immunity Road : those who did not make it now sleep an eternal sleep in the forlorn cemeteries … while their luckier fellow citizens fare rather well…
5. From the start, Sweden, too, advocated herd immunity about Covid for some time, refusing to lock down. Then, things changed. So far, about 13 498 people have died from Covid in Sweden… Some probably fled the country, not trusting their luck in being saved by some theoretical herd immunity… See the following on the Internet, 4 April, 2021, about Covid in Sweden :

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjqsouWz-TvAhWltXEKHVyXCSoQFjAHegQICxAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.washingtonpost.com%2Fworld%2F2020%2F11%2F18%2Fsweden-coronavirus-surge-policy%2F&usg=AOvVaw12VFJQioUTrEb6uEnG4t9N

6. See the following on the Internet, 4 April, 2021, about talks of herd immunity in England about Covid :

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjh8bKlhOTvAhU0EWMBHR5XA7EQFjAAegQIAhAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fuk-politics-54252272&usg=AOvVaw3xribUmKpgYTDwjcoFqk5k

 

        Note that the link speaks of “… %2Fuk-politics-…” Well said, link…

 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjh8bKlhOTvAhU0EWMBHR5XA7EQFjABegQICBAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bbc.com%2Fnews%2Fuk-53433824&usg=AOvVaw0jIzEjiuce0aRk5eq_Y5RI

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjh8bKlhOTvAhU0EWMBHR5XA7EQFjACegQICxAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ft.com%2Fcontent%2Ff75418a9-9ef5-4684-9222-758635e906b1&usg=AOvVaw35cO8mWoPPJAnRqu_5PSWo

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=2ahUKEwjh8bKlhOTvAhU0EWMBHR5XA7EQFjAEegQIBxAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nationalgeographic.com%2Fscience%2Farticle%2Fuk-backed-off-on-herd-immunity-to-beat-coronavirus-we-need-it&usg=AOvVaw3bH0XaRSYNV6LOFpdk272n

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