Here's a summary of the poem:
* Oppressive Heat: The poem opens with the relentless heat of Calcutta in summer, described as a suffocating blanket that weighs down the city. This intense heat is a major theme, symbolizing the oppressive conditions of life in Calcutta.
* Poverty and Hardship: The poem paints a picture of stark poverty and hardship. The speaker observes the struggles of the poor, including children forced to work, and the unbearable conditions they face. The heat exacerbates their suffering, making even basic tasks like fetching water a grueling ordeal.
* Lack of Hope: The poem conveys a sense of despair and hopelessness. The relentless heat and the seemingly insurmountable problems of poverty create a feeling of stagnation and defeat. Even the natural world appears to be suffering, with the trees drooping under the weight of the heat.
* The City's Pulse: The poem depicts the city as a living organism, pulsing with the rhythms of life amidst the hardship. Though the heat and poverty are pervasive, there is a sense of resilience and survival, with people finding ways to endure despite the overwhelming challenges.
Overall, "Summer in Calcutta" is a moving and powerful portrayal of the realities of life in a city struggling with poverty, oppression, and the harsh realities of summer. The poem highlights the human spirit's ability to endure, even in the face of immense hardship.