Poem Hunter 8 - Ode To Classic Poets Of Poem Hunter - Roald Dahl 1 Poem by Geeta Radhakrishna Menon
Poem Hunter 8 - Ode To Classic Poets Of Poem Hunter - Roald Dahl 1
Last year, I took time to visit my old aunt
In my village in Kerala.
Though I had a short period of stay
I had decided to squeeze in a visit to my aunt's house.
I felt she was lonely and sad after my uncle's death.
My cousin too joined me in this long walk up a hilly area.
When we reached the place, it was quite dark.
The large gate was closed
And there were bushes and tall grass
Blocking the entrance to the house.
The place was badly maintained.
I shouted out to my aunt but there was no response at all.
On repeatedly calling to her, finally,
A lady came with a torch and lead us in.
She was the neighbour.
She banged the door loudly
And literally screamed to say visitors have come.
As my aunt opened the door, I heard loud conversation.
For a moment I thought, my aunt had other guests.
To my utter surprise, there was no one in the house.
The loud cacophony was coming from the television.
My aunt exchanged pleasantries
But without any kind of eye contact.
Her eyes were glued to the television.
My cousin and I looked at each other.
Amidst the high drama in the television,
My aunt murmured and kindly enquired
Whether we would like a cup of tea?
Both of us unanimously said: "No, no! "
She looked relieved and continued to watch the TV.
When the serial concluded,
I thought she would close the TV.
But she did not, because the next serial would start soon.
I handed over the gifts
That I had so lovingly brought for her.
Both of us got up and politely bid good bye.
It was my stupid thinking that aunt was sad and lonely.
She was fine enjoying the stories and episodes in the television.
Perhaps, this was the way for her to escape loneliness.
But I was sad to note that she had completely forgotten
The basic manners and ethics of hospitality.
The television had invaded her house and was ruling her mind.
As we walked back home, I remembered Roald Dahl
And his poem ‘Television' -specially the lines in block letters
" IT ROTS THE SENSE IN THE HEAD!
IT KILLS IMAGINATION DEAD!
IT CLOGS AND CLUTTERS UP THE MIND!
IT MAKES A CHILD SO DULL AND BLIND
HE CAN NO LONGER UNDERSTAND
A FANTASY, A FAIRYLAND!
HIS BRAIN BECOMES AS SOFT AS CHEESE!
HIS POWERS OF THINKING RUST AND FREEZE!
HE CANNOT THINK -HE ONLY SEES! "
Dear Poet Roald Dahl!
Why blame the children alone?
The Parents, Grand parents, Aunts, Uncles,
All of them have becomes slaves of television.
Except for a small minority of people,
They are all seated inside the ‘Idiot box.'
Free Verse in Prose format
Also, exciting to share " family/funny stories" with us here on PoemHunter….new style! Family Gossip! !
Hi Geeta, A true picture of today’s homes illustrated most imaginatively. My in-laws used to be the same, after all their girls were married off. They had three, and no sons. Definitely, the TV serials, sitcoms etc are the best pass-time. I used to joke that they had secured tickets for all the serials right from the afternoon through the evening.
(2) They try to fill their void but by doing so they become cut off from their social circle and relatives. Thus this TV induced pleasure has assumed the form of a pernicious mental disorder and created a terrible situation. You have rightly taken cue from the poem of Roald Dahl about Television and its ill effects. I too had the pleasure to read it and also to translate it into Hindi. Thanks for this highly thought-provoking poem, Dear Geeta ji. A great Ode to Roald Dahl.
A great poem about the malice of TV which takes major chunk of our time, making us dull and cut off from other people around us.T.V. has brought a great revolution in the field of communication.There are so many good things about T.V and also there are so many bad effects.It depends how we use our T.V.(part-1)
It seems that the aged population is so much addicted to serials.... (as you surmise, it may be their way of combating with their loneliness) ! However the lack of manners they show while being glued to TV is a little depressing! Really enjoyed your poem Geeta.....!
This is a brilliant composition! You have paid a beautiful tribute to Roald Dahl's poem Television by illustrating it with a slice of life! I could so well relate to the scene described! Your aunt's case is no exception! It is a common experience, we have in many of the households of Kerala!
Dear Poet Roald Dahl! /Why blame the children alone? /The Parents, Grand parents, Aunts, Uncles, All of them have becomes slaves of television...absolutely brilliant! I hope, Rajnish sir might have liked this wonderful piece because he is a great fan of Roald Dahl.........10
I too feel like what Julia Luber said in her comment.T.V. perhaps provides an escape route from loneliness to the elderly people whose children stay in far off places. A nice tribute to Roald Dahl through this thought provoking poem.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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4/23/2024 10:03:01 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Dr. Geeta! This is like a story yet so powerful as a poem: even funny. Do you know the American painter who made a painting of an elder lady with her eyes glued to the television. I think it's wonderful that she is NOT debilitated in her mourning and is still able to at least enjoy television. I have found it a great trance zone in times of considerable pain and get more into it as I get older. GREAT POEM- funny and WIZE!