Poem : 'Three times !' ; 2 April, 2023.

5 May, 2023
Uploaded to ChatGPT for analysis
Poem : “Three times”

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

ChatGPT
Hello Soman Ragavan! Of course, you may post your poem here for analysis. I would be happy to provide feedback on it. Please feel free to share your work.
 
Soman Ragavan : My poem : "Three times !" This poem is about a case where I forgot to pay the bus fare and was told off by the bus conductor. Please analyse by each stanza, then give overall comments. Mention similar poems from other authors, where possible. THREE TIMES !

ChatGPT :
Thank you for sharing your poem, Soman Ragavan! Here is my analysis of each stanza:

Stanza 1: The poem begins with the speaker boarding a bus and getting lost in their own thoughts about poetry as the bus heads towards the town. This sets the stage for the conflict that arises in the subsequent stanzas.

Stanza 2: The speaker recalls their past writings and reflects on how others may also be lost in their own thoughts. The mention of the serene scenes of childhood creates a sense of nostalgia and peace.

Stanza 3: This stanza contrasts the peaceful scenes of childhood with the chaos of the present, with traffic roaring on frantically. The speaker also mentions the blacksmith and baker, who are carrying out their daily tasks with a sense of order and purpose.

Stanza 4: The fisherman paddling back home looks troubled, and the dog wears a chain around its neck, which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker feeling trapped or constrained.

Stanza 5: The speaker is abruptly brought back to reality when the bus conductor demands to see their ticket. The conductor's anger is conveyed through their threatening gaze and accusatory tone.

Stanza 6: The speaker realizes they have forgotten to pay their fare and apologizes, but the conductor continues to berate them and accuses them of being a cheat. The rising heat under the speaker's collar suggests that they feel embarrassed and ashamed.

Stanza 7: Despite their excuses, the conductor refuses to listen and sees the speaker as a dishonest passenger. The metaphor of the octopus being struck by a harpoon and wriggling in agony conveys the speaker's sense of helplessness.

Stanza 8: The speaker reflects on how this experience was a rare occurrence but still unpleasant. They feel dizzy and overwhelmed, and the conductor's anger has left them feeling "slain" as a poet.

Stanza 9: The speaker wonders what excuse they could have given to make the situation better. They reflect on how poets are drawn to their craft despite the challenges they may face, and how their writing can still flourish even if they are accused of being fare dodgers.

Overall, your poem effectively conveys the frustration and embarrassment that can come with forgetting to pay for something, especially in a public setting. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors helps to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. The poem's structure, with each stanza focusing on a different aspect of the experience, helps to build tension and keep the reader engaged.

As for similar poems from other authors, the theme of public embarrassment or humiliation is a common one in poetry. One poem that comes to mind is "The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock" by T.S. Eliot, which explores the speaker's anxiety and sense of inadequacy in social situations. Another poem is "Richard Cory" by Edwin Arlington Robinson, which deals with the contrast between outward appearances and inner turmoil.
 
Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome! Goodbye and take care.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
"THREE TIMES !" On a bus from Stanley to Port Louis, Mauritius, around September, 1996. 
------------------------------------------------------------------

                                            POEM :     
                                  THREE TIMES !

As usual that morn the bus I board'd,
And my mind soon to poetry return'd;
And, through that already written, it churn'd,
While towards yon town the bus speed'd.

My writings of yore I recall'd and review'd;
Others with their own thoughts were imbued;
I recess'd into the serene scenes of my childhood :
A soothing sight again was yon cool, green wood.

The silent conqueror sat yonder majestically :
Hither, the loud traffic roar'd on frantically;
My blacksmith reign'd over his dusty smithy :
My baker conduct'd the orchestra in his bakery.

Back home silently the fisherman paddl'd :
‘Pon his face, a look rather troubl'd;
Round the dog's neck twist'd the chain :
How stoically bore he again the pain !

Suddenly from my trance was I jolt'd :
Back into this world was I catapult'd;
To see my ticket, the conductor demand'd :
At once all attention the man command'd.

I felt at my top pocket : there lay the fare :
Threateningly at me the conductor did glare;
I just shuffl'd piteously in utter dismay :
Drown'd in my ravings, I'd forgotten to pay.

"THREE TIMES HERE HAVE I PASS'D !"
Accusingly at me the conductor roar'd :
The man's anger could not be surpass'd :
How pitilessly a poor poet he had floor'd !

Under my collar I could feel the rising heat :
Others must have taken me for a cheat;
"I'm sorry !" apologetically I mutter'd…..
"THREE TIMES !" the conductor thunder'd.

Drown'd in my thoughts, I'd forgotten the fare :
Whatever my excuses, the man refus'd to care;
I was the octopus : by the harpoon struck :
I wriggl'd and twirl'd : just a poet's luck.

For sure, it didn't happen every day :
But even once was once too many;
Clutching at my bag, I felt dizzy :
A raving poet the man did slay.

What vain excuse could I have given ?
While the poet to poetry did hearken,
The conductor thought of the ticket examiner :
He brand'd me as a cheat of a passenger.

From his height, at me that man scowl'd :
How loudly at me the conductor growl'd !
I blurt'd out : "I'M SORRY, I FORGOT !"
But, at me in the bus a myriad eyes shot.

Yet, unerringly by poetry still are we drawn :
The finest seeds in nature by poets be sown;
In the breeze will sway our rapturous flowers,
Even if we be accus'd of being fare dodgers. 
--------------------------------------------