Question

Read the extract and write the appreciation of the poem given below:

My father travels on the late evening train Standing among silent commuters in the yellow light Suburbs slide past his unseeing eyes His shirt and pants are soggy and his black raincoat Stained with mud and his bag stuffed with books Is falling apart. His eyes dimmed by age fade homeward through the humid monsoon night. Now I can see him getting off the train Like a word dropped from a long sentence. He hurries across the length of the grey platform, Crosses the railway line, enters the lane, His chappals are sticky with mud, but he hurries onward.

Answer 1

1. About the Poem and Poet: The poem describes a father’s daily struggles as he commutes home after work. The poet highlights his exhaustion, routine, and unnoticed sacrifices through vivid imagery.
2. Theme: The poem focuses on parental sacrifice, urban life struggles, and emotional disconnect. It portrays how a father tirelessly works for his family but remains unnoticed.
3. Poetic Devices: 
   • Imagery: "His chappals are sticky with mud" – shows physical exhaustion.
   • Metaphor: "Like a word dropped from a long sentence" – symbolizes insignificance.
   • Personification: "Suburbs slide past his unseeing eyes" – depicts fatigue.
4. Message and Moral: The poem conveys that parents silently endure hardships for their families. It reminds us to recognize and appreciate their sacrifices before it’s too late.
5. Personal Opinion: I find the poem touching and relatable, as it beautifully captures a father’s silent dedication. The poet’s simple yet powerful words create a lasting impact.