In the Zoo - A.K.Ramanujan

Introduction:

A.K.Ramanujan is the first contemporary Indian English poet to have achieved a remarkable breakthrough in cross-fertilising English with native literary traditions. "In the Zoo: A Tour with Comments" is a wildly satirical poem with a humorous tinge. It is a suggestive poem, as the poet seems to compare his own household to a zoo.

Distinguishing Features of the Adjutant Storks:

Ironically, the poem "In the Zoo" speaks only of storks. They are described as scavenger birds which whould be fit symbols for Calcutta or Madras which are filled with filth. The storks, according to Ramanujan, stand erect on their long legs and look dignified. They look like army-officers (adjutants) in charge of discipline and administration. They look slightly vulgar. They come in three shades 1) faded black like the Madras lawyers 2) a grey and 3) a dirty white colour like the yeasted 'maggoty' curds produced by grandmother at home.

Adjutant Storks: Reminiscences of His Father:

According to the poet, the storks are noisy and heavy when they take off. When they start flying, flapping their wings, they look like the poet's father opening his baggy umbrella in the rain. The umbrella is short of atleast six spokes (ribs) - three taken away by his sons for a fencing match and another three - by the winds of the previous season.

The Air-borne Stork: Reminiscences of a Rainy Day:

Once the bird is air-borne, it circles quietly on motionless wings. At that time... ...

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