(toc) #title= (Table of Content)
General Introduction
"A Minor Intrusion On Lives Of Animals" by Lionel Abrahams is a reflective poem that delves into the human fascination with wildlife, particularly the predatory instincts of animals, as observed during a visit to Kruger National Park. The poem explores themes of human-animal interaction, the fragility of life, the brutality of nature, and the ethical implications of observing and potentially influencing the natural order.
The Poem
A Minor Intrusion On Lives Of Animals by Lionel Abrahams
Lion (two or three), zebra (scores) and other thirsty
at a water hole. How alive they are! How lovely
while healthy - even while hungry, even when frightened.
We were up there at Kruger to (you could say) ‘gape'
at them - to tally species sighted (impala, warthog, monkeys,
hyena, herds, birds, some that are rarer-
and for me, ah! right high, above even elephant,
giraffe. What can be the silent water that giraffes flow in?).
I was up there to play and praise the game, to, of course,
learn some of Nature's nature, and, even perhaps,
to see- to eye-witness
(honesty's duty to the brutal truth?)
an actual kill.
Our car one at the unfenced viewsite facing water,
across which, spotted among reeds, manoeuvring
lion, and congregated quarry, all ready.
Ignoring safety rules, I stand in the wild
outside the car, chin on forearms, leaning
on the open door, my parapet.
Nothing but air between my eyes and the scene......
Lion or lioness (these years late I don't recall),
the prime striker in a screen of bush, sprung tight,
tight-aimed, gaze fixed on one plump herbivore -
that near nervous zebra, testing air
for peril, bending down to lap.
All ready.
Predator glides in a snail-slow low prowl...slowly
ac-cel-erates.....will crouch...will spring....
And does.... I will see
the shock, the horrid struggle, even blood....
I yelp my thrill.
Zebra startle, whirl, flicker, splash away,
are gone. Lion breaks leap,
flops flat, sits, blinks, glares.
That zebra's spared. I'm spared,
though my species spear me
with five carloads of sharp hate.
But the killer big cat's glare turns
onto What?... noisy pink head....
intruder..... enemy...... thief.....
Whatever: me.
Lucky the lake between us,
otherwise I would become
disgusting surrogate prey,
knocked down, torn, broken,
my sour little meat devoured instead..
Title
The title suggests a minor interruption or disturbance in the lives of animals, highlighting the poet's contemplation of his role as an observer and potential disruptor of the natural world.
Themes
1. Human Intrusion: The poem reflects on the intrusion of humans into the natural habitat of animals, symbolized by the poet's presence at the water hole, disrupting the animals' routine. This is evident in the lines, "Ignoring safety rules, I stand in the wild / outside the car," highlighting the poet's disregard for the boundaries between human and animal spaces.
2. Predation and Survival: The poem explores the theme of predation and survival in the animal kingdom, as seen in the description of the lion's stalking of the zebra and the subsequent escape of the prey. This is illustrated in the lines, "Predator glides in a snail-slow low prowl...slowly / ac-cel-erates.....will crouch...will spring.... / And does.... I will see / the shock, the horrid struggle, even blood," emphasizing the brutal realities of the food chain.
3. Ethics and Morality: The poem raises questions about the ethics and morality of human observation and intervention in the natural world. This is implied in the lines, "honesty's duty to the brutal truth?" suggesting a conflict between the desire to witness nature's realities and the ethical implications of such voyeurism.
4. Fragility of Life: The poem underscores the fragility of life, both human and animal, and the delicate balance of ecosystems. This is depicted in the poet's realization that he could have been prey, "otherwise I would become / disgusting surrogate prey, / knocked down, torn, broken," highlighting the vulnerability of all living beings.
5. Man vs. Nature: The poem explores the theme of man versus nature, as the poet grapples with his place in the natural world and the consequences of his actions. This is evident in the lion's gaze turning towards the poet, perceiving him as an intruder and potential threat, symbolizing the tension between human civilization and the wilderness.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, particularly in its vivid descriptions of the animals and their actions. For example, "Predator glides in a snail-slow low prowl" creates a vivid image of the lion's stealthy approach.
2. Metaphor: The poet uses metaphor to convey deeper meanings, such as comparing the poet's intrusion to an "intruder..... enemy...... thief," highlighting the disruptive nature of human presence in the natural world.
3. Alliteration: The repetition of consonant sounds in words like "snail-slow" and "low prowl" creates a sense of rhythm and emphasizes the slow, deliberate movements of the predator.
4. Personification: The poet personifies the animals, attributing human-like qualities to them. For example, the zebra is described as "near nervous" and the lion's gaze is described as "glare," giving them human-like characteristics.
5. Symbolism: The lake between the poet and the lion symbolizes a barrier separating the human world from the natural world, highlighting the divide between civilization and the wilderness.
6. Irony: There is irony in the poet's desire to witness an actual kill, only to be perceived as potential prey himself, highlighting the unpredictability and irony of nature.
Language and Mood
The language in the poem is descriptive and contemplative, creating a mood of introspection and awe. Words like "alive," "lovely," and "thrill" convey the poet's fascination with the natural world, while phrases like "horrid struggle" and "disgusting surrogate prey" evoke a sense of the harsh realities of the animal kingdom.
Context
The poem was likely written in the context of increasing human encroachment on wildlife habitats and the ethical questions surrounding wildlife tourism and conservation. The poet's experience at Kruger National Park serves as a microcosm of the larger issues facing the relationship between humans and animals in the modern world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Minor Intrusion On Lives Of Animals" by Lionel Abrahams is a thought-provoking poem that explores themes of human-animal interaction, the brutality of nature, and the ethical implications of human intervention in the natural world. Through vivid imagery and reflective language, the poet invites readers to contemplate their place in the ecosystem and the delicate balance of life on Earth.
Leave a comment behind