Nissim Ezekiel’s Poems on Ordinary Human Expression

Nissim Ezekiel (1924 - 2004), an Indian born poet of Jewish descent, has often been referred to as the “father of post-independence Indian verse in English”. Two of his most well-known poems, “The Night of the Scorpion” and “The Professor”, have become standard inclusions in the Indian school curriculum.

Through his simple and terse compositions, Ezekiel highlights social problems in a country gradually coming into its own. He examines big issues through the small struggles and celebrations that make up an ordinary life in middle-class India. His poems have a delightful touch of humour, often parodying the Indian-English style of speaking. In the poem “Soap” for instance, he narrates an insignificant event but ends up creating an intimate sketch of two characters in conflict. The false bravado, the escalating argument and the typical retreat – “this time I will take/ but not next time”—are all reminders of our own petty struggles and eventual resignation.

Soap

Some people are not having manners,

this I am always observing,

For example other day I find

I am needing soap

For ordinary washing myself purposes.

So I’m going to one small shop

nearby in my lane and I’m asking

for well-known brand soap.

That shopman he’s giving me soap

but I’m finding it defective version.

So I’m saying very politely — –

though in Hindi I’m saying it,

and my Hindi is not so good as my English,

Please to excuse me

but this is defective version of well-known brand soap.

That shopman is saying

and very rudely he is saying it,

What is wrong with soap?

Still I am keeping my temper

and repeating very smilingly

Please to note this defect in soap,

and still he is denying the truth.

So I’m getting very angry that time

and with loud voice I am saying

YOU ARE BLIND OR WHAT?

Now he is shouting

YOU ARE CALLING ME BLIND OR WHAT?

Come outside and I will show you

Then I am shouting

What you will show me

Which I haven’t got already?

It is vulgar thing to say

but I am saying it.

Now small crowd is collecting

and shopman is much bigger than me,

and I am not caring so much

for small defect in well-known brand soap.

So I’m saying

Alright OK Alright OK

this time I will take

but not next time.

Another great observational poem is “Irani Restaurant Instructions”. If you have ever eaten at these cramped and fragrant cafes with eccentric owners and servers, this poem is sure to make you nostalgic for their delicious food and old-world charm.

Irani Restaurant Instructions

Please

Do not spit

Do not sit more

Pay promptly, time is valuable

Do not write letter

without order refreshment

Do not comb,

hair is spoiling floor

Do not make mischiefs in cabin

our waiter is reporting

Come again

All are welcome whatever caste

If not satisfied tell us

otherwise tell others

GOD IS GREAT

You can find more poems by Nissim Ezekiel here.