Poem : 'Motherland (2)' ; 1 April, 2023.

5 May, 2023
Uploaded to ChatGPT for analysis

Poem : “Motherland (2)”

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

ChatGPT
Hello Soman Ragavan! Of course, you can post your poem here for analysis. I'd be happy to help you with any feedback or suggestions I can provide. Please feel free to share your work.
 
Soman Ragavan : My poem : "Motherland (2)." This poem is about Mauritius, where there are cyclones sometimes. Please analyse by each stanza, then give overall comments. Mention similar poems from other authors, where possible. MOTHERLAND (2)

ChatGPT :
Sure, I'd be happy to analyze your poem "Motherland (2)" by each stanza and provide overall comments.

Stanza 1: The first stanza sets the scene for the impending cyclone. The speaker describes the calm before the storm and the sense of unease that comes with it. The imagery of the cyclone gathering up full power to unleash upon the land with utmost nastiness is vivid and ominous.

Stanza 2: The second stanza describes the winds and clouds as they grow more restless and the battle that ensues between the storm and the land. The imagery of the rains lashing out menacingly without recess adds to the sense of chaos and destruction.

Stanza 3: The third stanza focuses on the impact of the storm on the trees and the rushing rivers that cannot hold back the torrent of debris. The imagery of the trees being battered and uprooted and the rivers flushing along flotsam and debris is vivid and powerful.

Stanza 4: The fourth stanza describes the reactions of different people to the cyclone, from those who retreat to their strong fortresses to those who cling to the lifting iron sheet. The contrast between those who calculate juicy new prices and those who are preparing to assume command adds to the sense of chaos and exploitation.

Stanza 5: The fifth stanza describes the aftermath of the storm, with many people lamenting their losses and struggling to survive. The imagery of the rubble and the lingering darkness ahead creates a sense of despair and uncertainty.

Stanza 6: The sixth stanza emphasizes the resilience of the people and the land, despite the hardships they face. The imagery of mopping up, mending up, and draining up conveys a sense of determination and perseverance.

Stanza 7: The seventh and final stanza focuses on the land's recovery and its ability to flourish anew. The imagery of the vegetation blooming even better and the lively birds again chatter creates a sense of hope and renewal.

Overall, "Motherland (2)" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the destructive force of cyclones and the resilience of the people and the land. The use of vivid imagery and a varied rhyme scheme adds to the impact of the poem. The poem reminded me of other natural disaster poems, such as William Wordsworth's "Lines Written in the Vale of Chamouni" and Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Mont Blanc."
 
Soman Ragavan : Stanza 4 : "Those preparing to assume command" refers to dishonest tradespeople who are getting ready to fleece customers, taking advantage of the shortage of stuffs following the cyclone.

ChatGPT
Thank you for clarifying the meaning behind the phrase in Stanza 4. It adds a new layer of depth to the poem and emphasizes the harsh realities faced by the people after the cyclone.
 
Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome! It was a pleasure helping you. If you have any more questions in the future, don't hesitate to ask. Goodbye for now!

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--"MOTHERLAND (2).” Refers in part to cyclone "Hollanda," Mauritius, in February 1994.
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                            MOTHERLAND  (2)

This devastating calm : this disarming stillness:
The far-away cyclone is gathering up full power
To unleash upon this land some blistering terror,
To whip this poor land with utmost nastiness.

Strong gusts sweeping across and vanishing,
Like harbingers of a main course more terrifying;
Thick clouds scampering yonder in a frenzy,
Afore the place falls to the nearing calamity.

The winds gather up speed, get more restless,
And try to tear off yon trees, yon frail iron sheet;
A fearsome battle everywhere the eyes meet,
As the rains lash out menacingly, without recess.

Even the mighty trees, sprawling and magnificent,
Be no match for this destroyer on havoc so intent;
Batter'd and uproot'd, torn with a furious sound,
Pitilessly are they thrown to the ground.

The rushing rivers cannot hold back the torrent :
They flush along flotsam and débris sundry,
In this raging hell, so wild, windy and watery :
Hark ! In yon shaking hut rises a new lament !

Some will smile in their strong fortresses,
Some will pray secretly for their mistresses,
Some will fret over their precious plantations,
Some will blurt out their pitying implorations.

Some are already calculating juicy new prices,
Some are dreaming up new, hot-selling devices,
Some are praising the law of supply and demand,
Some are preparing quietly to assume command.

Some gasp with awe at their first cyclone,
Some, utterly drench'd, shudder all alone,
Some have mov'd to concrete and are smiling,
Some, to yon lifting iron sheet, be clinging.

In the long weeks of lingering darkness ahead
Many lamenting sighs here will be releas'd;
Again and again on meagre meals will we be fed,
As by yon seller without shame we will be fleec'd.

Hark ! This fantastic calm ! This utter silence !
Yonder, amid the rubble, some parts of our fence !
Now, where do we start ? What is to be done first ?
Will we get water to quench, tomorrow, our thirst ?

But, as in the ages past, patiently do we start again :
We will survive certainly, we will restart our train;
We have seen it all before : arm'd with our valour,
Soon will we restore to this place its shining colour.

Many a lingering evening will we go without any sup :
Yet, we  mop up, we mend up, we clean up, we clear up;
We drain up, we dry up : with misery be full our cup,
But, in our unwavering action, there be no let-up.

Little India ! How often have thou suffer'd :
By the cyclones many times have thou been batter'd :
Yet, thou provid'st again and again, mother, without fail
Shelter and food to one and all, even to yon hiding snail.

Thou flourish'st anew : thou ris’st again, mother :
Thy vegetation now doth bloom even better :
In thy countryside the lively birds again chatter
To the joyous children happily playing yonder !
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