The poem centers around a parrot, a creature that is simultaneously exotic and familiar, trapped in a cage and forced to mimic human speech. The parrot's ability to speak multiple languages represents the speaker's own experience as an Indian woman living in a foreign land.
Here's a summary of the key themes:
* Identity and Language: The parrot's ability to mimic languages reflects the speaker's own struggle with identity. As a woman who has left India, she feels caught between two cultures, unable to fully belong to either. The parrot's forced assimilation mirrors the pressure she feels to adapt to a new environment.
* Cultural Displacement: The parrot's captivity symbolizes the speaker's sense of alienation and displacement. The cage represents the limitations imposed upon her by her new surroundings, forcing her to conform to expectations that are not her own.
* Loss of Authenticity: The parrot's ability to speak multiple languages becomes a source of both admiration and suspicion. It raises questions about the authenticity of her own identity and the validity of her experiences.
* Resistance and Agency: Despite the parrot's forced assimilation, it still maintains a connection to its native language and culture. This hints at the possibility of resisting oppression and finding agency within a restrictive environment.
The poem ends with the parrot's final words, "India, India," suggesting a longing for the speaker's homeland and a desire to reclaim her lost identity. Through the metaphor of the parrot, Bhatt explores the complexities of navigating cultural boundaries and the ongoing struggle to find a sense of belonging.