Poetry Analysis

Sujata Bhatt's poem 'The Peacock' captures the elusive beauty and mystery of the peacock, a bird deeply symbolic in Indian culture. The poem begins with the sudden, piercing call of the peacock, which seems to come from nowhere, followed by a vivid image of its turquoise plumage in a pipal tree. The peacock's graceful movements are described as it descends and darts away, leaving only a fleeting glimpse of its tail. The speaker reflects on a childhood belief that deep concentration while reading a favorite book can summon the peacock's presence. This belief is portrayed as a magical moment where nature responds to human focus: the wind shifts, bees stop buzzing, and even a cat stirs. The poem concludes with the peacock's tail, described as having eyes that must blink, suggesting a mystical quality to the bird's presence. Bhatt's use of vivid imagery and cultural references creates a rich tapestry of memory and identity, inviting readers to experience the wonder and transience of such encounters.