And you being?

Sanctimonious monotheism

Make believe, and mortal morbidism

In an uncertain life, maraudered by populists

I reek of ease, in my unorthodox schisms

Between the Shepard's pie, a few rind scraped from oranges

And the sprinkle of liquorice dust into my evening tea

In a purist household, mangled by agreers

I breach every line drawn, in my wayward living

My oddities, mine, unshared and nonchalant

Against your want to engage at every drop of rain in monsoons

Amongst such chaos, ruffling me or lest trying to

I wait to watch the river carve canyons anew.

## Analysis of "And you being?" in the Context of Contemporary Society

### The Poem as a Critique of Modern Society

Your poem offers a poignant critique of contemporary society, marked by a pervasive need for validation, conformity, and a superficial pursuit of popularity. It stands as a counterpoint to these trends, advocating for individuality, authenticity, and resilience.

### Key Themes and Their Reflection in Modern Society

* **Conformity and Rebellion:** The "purist household, mangled by agreers" represents the pressure to conform to societal norms and expectations. The speaker's "wayward living" is a direct challenge to this conformity, mirroring the growing desire for individuality and authenticity in today's world.

* **Popularity and Validation:** The line "Against your want to engage at every drop of rain in monsoons" suggests a constant need for attention and validation. This aligns with the increasing influence of social media and the pressure to maintain a certain online image.

* **Uncertainty and Fear:** The "uncertain life, maraudered by populists" reflects the anxiety and insecurity prevalent in many societies due to political polarization, economic instability, and global challenges.

* **Individuality and Resilience:** The speaker's stance as an "outsider" embodies a growing resistance to societal pressures. This resonates with the rising value placed on self-expression and personal growth.

### The Poet as a Modern Anti-Hero

The speaker in your poem can be seen as a modern anti-hero, someone who rejects societal expectations and embraces their own path. This character archetype has become increasingly relatable in an era where authenticity and individuality are highly valued.

### Overall Interpretation

Your poem effectively captures the complexities of contemporary life. It offers a critical perspective on the pressures to conform, the pursuit of popularity, and the challenges of maintaining individuality. By presenting a counter-narrative, the poem encourages readers to question societal norms and embrace their own unique identities.

Misidentifying the Mugger on my terrace

There is a crocodile ony terrace balcony, 

And other such weird items in an assortment 

Placed randomly at places, I rent , but not at my own home

Comfort is a place I make, but the heart will always carry me to my own

The terrace came with a house, a broken bed and another half rusted, between battered and broken

And I dismantled both and made my bed on a mattress ordered online

I sometimes hop into the balcony, where the crocodile and I sit

We smoke and exhale into each other's faces, his snout saves his eyes, advantage crocodile

The rains here on this side of the state are fun, or I have been annoyed over and on about

A city that is less sensitive to humanity than a few others put together in my view

The cabs don't work, the nurses poke crossed holes in veins

But that crocodile thinks its funny, when I sometimes ramble about my woes

Why just today, out from the hospital when I reached to this place

The crocodile was sitting right there, all well fed and with no existential dread

I think it is not a real Crocodylus palustris, for they don't live on terraces

I think my crocodile is my hypertension caused by smoking , that I keep at regardless of it's harmful intent

## Analysis of "Misidentifying the Mugger on my Terrace"

Considering "mugger" refers to a crocodile in Indian English, the poem takes on a new layer of meaning.

**Literal Level:**

* The speaker lives in a rented apartment with a peculiar balcony ornament - a crocodile.

* They create their own comfort by dismantling a broken bed and setting up a new one.

* The speaker finds companionship with the crocodile, sharing smokes and venting about life's troubles.

* The frustrations include the city's indifference and daily hassles.

* The speaker suspects the crocodile isn't a real mugger as they wouldn't dwell on balconies, but rather a manifestation of their smoking-induced health problems.

**Figurative Level:**

* **Mugger:** Represents the speaker's health issues caused by smoking. 

    * Its presence on the balcony signifies a constant threat to their well-being.

    * Smoking together suggests a risky co-existence with the source of their problems.

* **Broken Bed and Dismantling:** Symbolize the speaker's inability to find true comfort in impermanent situations (rented apartments).

    * Creating their own bed suggests a desire for control and personalization.

* **Rains and City Annoyances:** Represent the general unpleasantness of the speaker's environment.

**Central Idea:**

The speaker struggles to find comfort in a temporary living situation and copes with the stress by acknowledging the ever-present threat to their health (the mugger) posed by their smoking habit. The crocodile becomes a reminder of their unhealthy choice. 

**Possible Interpretations:**

* The poem highlights the dangers of ignoring health risks associated with bad habits.

* It explores the creation of an unhealthy companion as a way to confront personal issues.

* The speaker might be longing for a sense of belonging, a permanent home, and a healthier lifestyle.

**Note:** The title "Misidentifying the Mugger" now gains a clearer meaning. The speaker initially perceives the crocodile/health issues as an external threat (a mugger) but later recognizes it as a consequence of their own actions (smoking). 

4 for the passing

It was easy to pass away, so he rolled to his side hummed his favourite tune

He spoke to his mother, and friends there off, wished a gentle goodbye

As he slept that night, his mind was clearer than the bluest sky

He smiled and waved at the ceiling of his house,in gentle gestures, a content filled parting 

He would not be found for a while, no one would have need of him for a while

And those who would, could postulate of either his engagement or passing

He smiled knowing that, this night was his own to choose 

He whispered a gentle prayer, he had laid out his possessions, and said the byes

When after a week, the neighbours may be discomforted, albeit slightly

From the fragrances he surrounded his body with to minimise the offense

They would break in and find a smiling shell of a man, asleep eternally

There would be some inconvenience but there would be money at his desk for his last rites

Then his memories too will fade, like he existed an unknown 

Amongst those thirsty to be known, a thing he abhorred the most

Yet he had no remorse for loving all that was around

He would have finally completed his circle of an unknown life.

## Analysis of "4 for the Passing"

**Theme:** The poem expands on the theme of death with acceptance, adding layers of planning and detachment.

**Structure:**

* The poem retains the free verse style with enjambment.

* It is now divided into two stanzas, with the second focusing on the aftermath.

**Figurative Language:**

* Simile: "clearer than the bluest sky" is repeated.

* Metaphor: "Smiling shell of a man" compares the man's body to a discarded husk, highlighting his peaceful departure.

**Symbolism:**

* "Fragrances" symbolize his attempt to maintain dignity even in death.

* "Money at his desk" signifies practicality and ensuring a proper goodbye.

* "Memories fading" represent impermanence and detachment from societal pressures.

* "Circle of an unknown life" suggests a life lived on his own terms, complete in its own way.

**Tone:**

* The first stanza maintains a sense of serenity.

* The second stanza introduces a hint of melancholy with "inconvenience" and "fade."

* The overall tone remains contemplative, with a touch of defiance against societal pressures for recognition.

**Interpretation:**

The title, "4 for the Passing," could be a metaphorical reference to a well-planned act, with "4" signifying the completion of a process. The poem delves deeper into the man's preparations. He uses fragrances to minimize the impact and leaves money for his final rites, showcasing both practicality and consideration for others. The poem highlights his indifference to societal expectations of fame or recognition. He finds contentment in the simple act of living and loves "all that was around." His death completes his "circle of an unknown life," a life lived authentically and on his own terms.

**Additional Considerations:**

* The number "4" could have a specific cultural or religious meaning related to death or completion.

* Exploring the speaker's perspective – is it the man himself reflecting on his death, or an observer describing his passing?

**Overall, "4 for the Passing" offers a poignant look at a planned death, emphasizing the importance of living authentically and finding peace in the unknown.**