Summer in Calcutta by Kamala Das Line by Line Explanation
“What is this drink but”
The speaker begins by questioning the nature of the drink, setting up a metaphorical exploration of an experience.
“The April sun, squeezed”
The drink is metaphorically identified as the essence of the April sun, implying a deep connection between the speaker’s experience and the intensity of the sun during the month of April.
“Like an orange in”
The sun is likened to an orange, suggesting that the speaker is extracting and consuming the vital and refreshing qualities of the sun, similar to squeezing juice from an orange.
“My glass? I sip the”
The speaker sips from the glass, suggesting a deliberate and sensory engagement with the metaphorical drink representing the sun.
“Fire, I drink and drink”
The act of drinking the sun is described as consuming fire, emphasizing the intensity of the experience. The repetition of “drink” underscores the indulgence and repetition of the act.
“Again, I am drunk”
The repetition of drinking results in a state of intoxication, not from conventional substances but from the metaphorical “gold of suns,” reinforcing the profound nature of the experience.
“Yes, but on the gold”
The state of intoxication is clarified; the speaker is intoxicated not on traditional substances but on the symbolic richness and value represented by the “gold of suns.”
“of suns, What noble”
The speaker contemplates the nobility and value of the intoxication, suggesting that this experience is elevated and precious.
“venom now flows through”
The use of “venom” is paradoxical, suggesting a potent and possibly harmful element that flows through the speaker. This could symbolize the intensity and transformative nature of the experience.
“my veins and fills my”
The metaphorical substance flows through the speaker’s veins, signifying a profound internal change or influence.
“mind with unhurried”
The effect of the drink is felt in the speaker’s mind, bringing about a state of unhurried and leisurely contemplation or joy.
“laughter? My worries”
The intoxication results in laughter and a temporary release from worries, indicating a momentary escape or liberation.
“doze. Wee bubbles ring”
The worries are personified as sleeping, and the appearance of bubbles in the drink is described. The bubbles are characterized as small or “wee,” creating a sense of delicacy.
“my glass, like a bride’s”
The bubbles are further compared to a bride’s nervous smile, introducing an element of innocence and excitement.
“nervous smile, and meet”
The bubbles, akin to a bride’s smile, interact with the speaker’s lips, creating a vivid and tactile image.
“my lips. Dear, forgive”
The speaker addresses someone dear, possibly a beloved, and seeks forgiveness for a momentary lapse in devotion.
“this moment’s lull in”
The speaker acknowledges a momentary pause or lull in the intense emotions or devotion, perhaps due to the distraction caused by the intoxicating experience.
“wanting you, the blur”
The temporary distraction is explained as a blur in memory, suggesting a hazy or unclear recollection of the beloved.
“in memory. How”
The speaker reflects on the brevity of the term of devotion and the fleeting nature of memories.
“brief the term of my”
The duration of the speaker’s devotion is described as brief, emphasizing its transience.
“devotion, how brief”
The brevity of the devotion is reiterated, underscoring the ephemeral nature of intense emotions.
“your reign when I with”
The beloved’s reign, possibly over the speaker’s emotions or thoughts, is also portrayed as brief, emphasizing impermanence.
“glass in hand, drink, drink,”
The act of drinking is reiterated, emphasizing its repetitive and ritualistic nature. The glass becomes a symbolic vessel for the intoxicating experience.
“and drink again this”
The repetition continues, underscoring the cyclic nature of the experience.
“Juice of April suns.”
The poem concludes by restating the metaphor, describing the drink as the “Juice of April suns,” bringing the reader back to the initial imagery and completing the cycle.
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