Madras Central (poem)

"Madras Central" is an award winning poem and the best known work of Vijay Nambisan, the Indian English poet, writer and journalist. The poem won First Prize in the inaugural All India Poetry Competition conducted by The Poetry Society (India) in 1988.^[1] The poem is regarded as a modern classic and has received critical acclaim following its first publication in 1989.

Excerpts from the poem

The black train pulls in at the platform,

Hissing into silence like hot steel in water.

Tell the porters not to be so precipitate-

It is good, after a desperate journey,

To rest a moment with your perils upon you.

*****

The long rails recline into a distance

Where tomorrow will come before I know it.

I cannot be in two places at once:

That is axiomatic. Come, we will go and drink

A filthy cup of tea in a filthy restaurant.

It is difficult to relax. But my head spins

Slower and slower as the journey recedes.

I do not think I shall smoke a cigarette now.

Time enough for that. Let me make sure first

For the hundredth time, that everything’s complete.

*****

My wallet’s in my pocket; the white nylon bag

With the papers safe in its lining-fine;

The book and my notes are in the outside pocket;

The brown case is here with all its straps secure.

I have everything I began the journey with,

And also a memory of my setting out

When I was confused, so confused. Terrifying

To think we have such power to alter our states,

Order comings and goings: know where we’re not wanted

And carry our unwantedness somewhere else.

Comments and criticism

The poem has received rave reviews ever since the day of its first publication.^[2] The poem has been frequently quoted in scholarly analysis of contemporary Indian English Poetry.^[3] The memorable last three lines of the poem have come to be regarded as representative voice of contemporary Indian poetry.^[4]

Online references

• First National Poetry Competition 1988 - Award Winners
• India Writes - Contemporary Indian Poetry

See also

• Indian English Poetry
• The Poetry Society (India)
• "Best Indian English Poems"

Notes