Poem : 'Motherland (4)' ; 1 April, 2023.

5 May, 2023
Uploaded to ChatGPT for analysis
Poem : “Motherland (4)”

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'll do my best to provide you with constructive feedback. Please feel free to share your poem.
 
Soman Ragavan : My poem : "Motherland (4)." This poem is about the disabled in Mauritius. A disabled young lady rose and gave her seat to another disabled person who had entered the bus. Please analyse by each stanza, then give overall comments. Mention similar poems from other authors, where possible. MOTHERLAND (4)
ChatGPT :

Sure, I can analyze your poem "Motherland (4)" by each stanza and then give an overall comment.
Stanza 1: The first stanza sets the tone of the poem and highlights the daily struggles faced by people with disabilities. The speaker expresses their concern and agony for the disabled and how they have to deal with obstacles beyond their control. The use of "pasture" as a metaphor is powerful, suggesting that the disabled are often seen as expendable.

Stanza 2: The second stanza is an observation of how some people ignore the reserved seats for the disabled on public transport. The speaker portrays the insensitivity of people who ignore the needs of the disabled and do not show any compassion towards them. The use of the word "flimsy" suggests that these reasons for not giving up their seats are weak.

Stanza 3: The third stanza continues with the theme of insensitivity towards the disabled. The speaker expresses their disappointment and questions when people will finally learn to show compassion towards the disabled. The use of the word "usurper" suggests that those who take the reserved seats are doing so wrongfully and are stealing from those who truly need them.
Stanza 4: The fourth stanza is a turning point in the poem, where the speaker acknowledges a recent act of kindness by a disabled lady who gave up her seat to someone else in greater need. The speaker praises her for her selflessness and her display of humanity.

Stanza 5: The final stanza is a call to action for people to be more considerate towards the disabled. The speaker emphasizes the importance of leaving the reserved seats vacant for those who need them and reminds the reader that anyone could be disabled someday.

Overall, "Motherland (4)" is a powerful poem that highlights the daily struggles of the disabled and calls for empathy and compassion towards them. The use of vivid imagery and metaphors enhances the emotional impact of the poem, and the call to action at the end leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
In terms of similar poems from other authors, Maya Angelou's "Caged Bird" also speaks about the struggles faced by a marginalized group and calls for liberation and equal treatment. Langston Hughes' "I, Too, Sing America" is another poem that deals with issues of discrimination and marginalization and calls for equal treatment and recognition.
 
Soman Ragavan : Thank you. Goodbye for now.

ChatGPT
You're welcome, Soman Ragavan. If you have any other questions or need any more assistance, feel free to reach out. Goodbye for now!


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"MOTHERLAND (4)." On a bus from Port Louis to Stanley, Mauritius, on 15 November, 1996.
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                              MOTHERLAND (4)

God, what a life, the life of the disabl'd !
'Tis not enough having to contend with nature :
Around them so many obstacles be assembl'd :
To the uncaring daily do they fall as pasture.

How many times have I seen with agony
A poor blind fellow in the bus groping :
Others budge not for some reason flimsy :
On to their seats always they be holding.

Says the sign : "Reserved for the disabled,"
But, the ignorant ones could not be troubl'd :
Promptly would they occupy that very seat :
They couldn't let go a place so handy and neat.

Still more might go on groping the poor disabl'd :
'Pon the reserv'd seat be the usurper settl'd.
Motherland, finally when would they learn :
After compassion when would they yearn !

Lo ! Hath just been administer'd, in a terrific deed,
Some resounding indictment of the unfeeling throng :
A disabl'd lady, showing how others be wrong,
Ced'd her seat to someone else in greater need.

To thee, kind young lady, be sung this chant :
Thou show'd how, of feelings, others be in want;
Though thou were thyself in need of comfort,
Thou prov'd to be an example of the best sort.

Here must we thunder to those that be ignorant :
For God's sake, leave yon bloody seat vacant !
Now be the time to give a chance to the disabl'd :
Tomorrow, with disabilities YE might be riddl'd !
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