Summary of A patch of land by Subramania Bharati

A Patch of Land 

 -Subramania Bharathi

A patch of land I want, Parashakti

Give me a patch of land.

On that patch of land, Parashakti, 

I want a house built for me.

Its pillars decorated, Parashakti, 

And balconies painted white.

Palm trees beside the well, Parashakti, 

With long fronds and tender nuts 

Ten or twelve. Those palms, Parashakti, 

The coconut trees, I want nearby.

Moonlight should descend gently, Parashakti, 

Casting a gleaming veil of white.

The soft cooing of the cuckoo, Parashakti, 

Should fall lightly on my ears.

A gentle breeze should blow, Parashakti,

And bring pleasure to my soul.

A young wife I want, Parashakti, 

To share all these with me.

Our joyful togetherness, Parashakti, 

Bless with poetry.

Living in that open land, Parashakti,

Be there to guard us.

With the power of my songs, Parashakti, 

Enable me to defend this earth.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

    Subramania Bharathi often hailed as "Mahakavi Bharathiyar," was a visionary poet, freedom fighter, and social reformer who left an indelible mark on the literary and political landscape of India.  Born on December 11, 1882, in Ettayapuram, Tamil Nadu, Bharathi's life journey was characterized by his unwavering commitment to freedom, equality, and justice. His poetic genius blossomed early, and he began composing verses that resonated with the masses, addressing themes of patriotism, social inequality, women's rights, and spirituality. 

    In addition, Bharathi actively participated in the freedom movement against British colonial rule. He used his pen as a weapon, urging the masses to rise against oppression and fight for their rights. His fiery speeches and revolutionary writings earned him the admiration and respect of fellow freedom fighters and intellectuals of his time.

    Tragically, Bharathi's life was cut short at the age of 39, but his legacy continues to inspire generations. His poems, which continue to be celebrated as timeless classics, serve as a reminder of the power of words to shape minds and transform societies.


EXPLANATION OF THE POEM:

A patch of land I want, Parashakti

Give me a patch of land:

The poet expresses his desire for a specific area of land and addresses Parashakti, who is a divine entity goddess Parvathi. The poet requests to be granted ownership or access to the desired piece of land.

On that patch of land, Parashakti,

I want a house built for me:

The poet envisions constructing a house on the designated land and seeks Parashakti's assistance in making it happen.

Its pillars decorated, Parashakti,

And balconies painted white:

The house has aesthetically pleasing features, such as decorated pillars and white-painted balconies.

Palm trees beside the well, Parashakti,

With long fronds and tender nuts ten or twelve:

The poet wishes for palm trees to be planted near a well on the property, specifically ones with tall leaves and an abundance of young coconuts.

Those palms, Parashakti, 

 coconut trees, I want nearby:

The poet repeats his desire for coconut trees to be present near the palm trees mentioned earlier.

Moonlight should descend gently, Parashakti,

Casting a gleaming veil of white:

The poet imagines the moonlight softly illuminating the surroundings, creating a radiant and serene atmosphere.

The soft cooing of the cuckoo, Parashi,

Should fall lightly on my ears:

The poet longs to hear the soothing sound of a cuckoo bird's gentle cooing, which would contribute to the tranquility of the environment.

A gentle breeze should blow, Parashakti,

And bring pleasure to my soul:

He hopes for a mild and pleasant breeze to sweep through the area, providing a delightful sensation and uplifting their spirit.

A young wife I want, Parashakti,

To share all these with me:

He expresses his desire for the young wife to accompany him in enjoying the envisioned life on the land, sharing its beauty and experiences.

Our joyful togetherness, Parashakti 

Bless with poetry:

The poet seeks Parashakti's blessings for their relationship with his spouse to be filled with happiness and inspiration, symbolized by the gift of poetry.

Living in that open land, Parashakti,

Be there to guard us:

He implores Parashakti to protect and watch over them while they reside on the open land they desire.

With the power of my songs, Parashakti,

Enable to defend this earth:

The poet believes in the strength of his songs and asks Parashakti to empower them to use their music as a means of safeguarding the earth, possibly implying a commitment to environmental protection or social justice.


THEME OF THE POEM:

    The theme of the poem "A Patch of Land I Want" revolves around the desire for a tranquil and harmonious life in nature. It expresses the longing for a specific patch of land where the speaker envisions building a house adorned with beautiful pillars and painted balconies. The presence of palm trees, particularly coconut trees, is desired to enhance the natural beauty of the surroundings.

    The poem further emphasizes the importance of a serene atmosphere, symbolized by the moonlight casting a gleaming veil of white and the soft cooing of the cuckoo birds. A gentle breeze is also sought after, as it brings pleasure and tranquility to the soul.

    In addition to the physical elements, the poem expresses the desire for companionship. The speaker longs for a young wife to share this idyllic setting and joyful togetherness. The union between the speaker and their partner is seen as a blessing that inspires poetry and creativity.

    Lastly, the poem acknowledges the need for protection and defense. The speaker calls upon Parashakthi, a divine feminine energy, to guard them while they live on this open land. The power of the speaker's songs is invoked to defend and preserve the earth, highlighting the connection between art, nature, and the responsibility to protect the environment.

Overall, the theme of the poem reflects a yearning for a simple yet fulfilling life in harmony with nature, love, and creative expression, while recognizing the importance of safeguarding the land and its resources. 

The tone of the Poem: 

The tone of this poem is hopeful, serene, and filled with a sense of longing. It conveys a deep desire for a specific patch of land and the elements that would make it a perfect sanctuary. There is a reverence for nature and a yearning for companionship and creative expression.


The setting of the poem: 

The setting is a picturesque patch of land, envisioned as a tranquil oasis. It is a place where the speaker wishes to build their dream house, surrounded by natural beauty. The imagery suggests a tropical or subtropical environment, with palm trees, a well, and moonlit nights. The setting exudes a sense of peace and harmony, inviting the reader to imagine a serene and idyllic location.


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