A.K. Ramanujan’s poem, “Elements of Composition,” is a thoughtful exploration into the diverse components that make up human existence. The poet skillfully weaves together scientific, personal, and cultural elements, creating a tapestry that reflects the intricate nature of life.

The poem starts by reflecting on the basic origins of life—coming from the combination of “father’s seed and mother’s egg.” Ramanujan connects the Hindu idea of the five elements (pancha bhuta) with the scientific understanding of various elements like calcium, carbon, gold, and magnesium. This merging of scientific and cultural references highlights the many sides of human composition.

A moving metaphor unfolds as the poet describes the mix of these elements into a “chattering self tangled in love and work.” The use of “chattering” implies the complexity and constant activity within an individual, highlighting the dynamic interplay of emotions, relationships, and responsibilities.

The poet introduces family stories, like the uncle’s skillful shadow-plays with eleven fingers. This recalls the personal and cultural influences that shape one’s identity. The sister’s pre-wedding worry, portrayed through the “look of panic,” adds a touch of vulnerability, emphasizing the emotional intricacies in our memories.

The poem takes a poignant turn as it addresses the disfigured lepers of Madurai against the elegant stone sculptures of goddesses of dance. This stark contrast underscores the diversity of human experiences and the coexistence of beauty and suffering.

Ramanujan uses the image of passing through others and being passed through—a mutual exchange of “affections, seeds, skeletons.” This encapsulates the shared humanity, where individuals leave indelible imprints on each other, forming a collective history.

The concluding metaphor of a caterpillar on a leaf, engaged in the cyclical process of “eating, being eaten,” encapsulates the universal theme of life and death. It echoes the perpetual cycle of creation, decay, and rebirth, emphasizing the transient nature of human existence.

In summary, “Elements of Composition” unfolds as a rich tapestry of themes—scientific, familial, cultural, and existential. Ramanujan invites readers to reflect on the intricate layers that compose an individual, emphasizing the transient yet interconnected nature of life’s elements.