The Bus by Arun Kolatkar Summary
Arun Kolatkar’s poem The Bus is part of his acclaimed poetry collection Jejuri, published in 1976. This collection won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize in the same year and is considered one of the most significant works of Indian-English poetry.
The poems in Jejuri revolve around the poet’s visit to the pilgrimage town of Jejuri in Maharashtra. Through vivid imagery and simple language, Kolatkar explores themes of spirituality, modernity, tradition, and human experience. The collection captures both the physical and metaphysical aspects of the journey to Jejuri, blending humor, irony, and philosophical reflection.
The poem The Bus describes a bumpy journey on a state transport bus to Jejuri, a small pilgrimage town in India. The poet uses simple, vivid imagery to capture the experience of traveling in an ordinary bus and reflects on the deeper meanings of the journey.
The bus has tarpaulin flaps covering the windows, which block most of the view outside. A cold wind slips through a corner of the tarpaulin, brushing against the passenger’s elbow. The poet looks down at the road, trying to catch glimpses of the outside world in the dim light coming from the bus. However, instead of the scenery, all he can see is his reflection in the glasses of an old man sitting nearby.
The journey seems endless, with the passengers moving toward an unseen destination. The poet imagines this destination as being just beyond the caste mark on the old man’s forehead. The rising sun outside quietly sends a beam of light through a hole in the tarpaulin. This light reflects off the old man’s glasses and touches the driver’s temple, almost as if it is guiding the bus in a new direction.
Finally, the bus reaches its destination, and the passengers get off. The poet concludes by reflecting that even after this shared journey, he does not feel connected to the old man’s world or thoughts.
The poem combines a physical description of the bus ride with subtle themes of alienation, spirituality, and the search for meaning. The reflective tone and rich imagery make the ordinary experience of travel feel profound and symbolic, representing both the literal journey and an inner, metaphorical journey.
Key Points
Author
Arun Kolatkar (1932–2004) was a bilingual poet writing in Marathi and English.
The Bus is part of his collection Jejuri (1976), which won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize.
Kolatkar’s work blends the mundane with the metaphysical, using vivid imagery and a modernist style.
Structure and Form
The poem is written in free verse.
There is no set rhyme scheme or meter, giving it a conversational and natural flow.
The lack of formal structure mirrors the unpredictability and discomfort of the bus journey.
Speaker
The speaker is an unnamed traveler who observes and reflects on the journey to Jejuri.
The narrative is written in the second person, creating a sense of universality and inviting the reader to experience the journey personally.
The speaker’s reflections reveal themes of self-awareness, perception, and alienation.
Setting
The poem is set on a state transport bus traveling to Jejuri, a pilgrimage town in Maharashtra.
The setting is both physical (the bumpy bus ride) and symbolic (a spiritual or reflective journey).
The confined space of the bus with its tarpaulin-covered windows contrasts with the larger outside world that remains unseen.
Theme
Journey as a Metaphor: The physical journey on the bus represents life’s broader journey, filled with discomforts and revelations.
Perception and Reflection: The poem explores how limited perception (the tarpaulin-covered windows) influences self-reflection and understanding.
Individuality and Alienation: Despite the shared experience of the bus ride, the speaker emphasizes the inability to fully connect with others.
Modernity vs. Tradition: The poem subtly touches upon societal and cultural symbols like the caste mark, suggesting a tension between modern, personal reflection and traditional values.
Plot
The poem begins with a description of the bus ride, focusing on small, vivid details like the tarpaulin flaps and the cold wind.
The speaker reflects on their inability to see the countryside, instead seeing their reflection in the glasses of an old man.
As the journey progresses, a sunbeam enters the bus and interacts with the environment, symbolizing moments of insight or clarity.
The poem concludes with the speaker stepping off the bus, reflecting on the limits of shared understanding with fellow travelers.
Tone
The tone is reflective and contemplative, capturing the duality of mundane travel and philosophical inquiry.
There is also an undercurrent of alienation, as the speaker remains distanced from the old man and the larger spiritual or social context of the journey.
Style
Kolatkar uses minimalistic language, making the poem accessible while layered with symbolic meaning.
The use of vivid imagery (e.g., “roaring road,” “sawed off sunbeam”) creates a sensory and immersive experience.
The second-person narration brings the reader directly into the scene, making it more relatable.
There is a blend of observation and introspection, as the poet juxtaposes physical details with inner reflections.
Message
The poem suggests that journeys—both physical and metaphorical—are as much about self-discovery as they are about reaching a destination.
It highlights the limitations of perception and the inability to fully understand or connect with others despite shared experiences.
The subtle interplay between external forces (like the sunbeam) and internal reflection emphasizes how moments of clarity can shape one’s direction, even in the most mundane circumstances.
Arun Kolatkar
Full Name: Arun Balkrishna Kolatkar
Birth: November 1, 1932, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India.
Death: September 25, 2004, Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Kolatkar was a bilingual Indian poet who wrote in both Marathi and English, known for his modernist style and vivid imagery.
He studied at the J.J. School of Art in Mumbai and worked as a graphic artist, a profession that influenced his poetic sensibilities, especially in visualizing scenes with precision.
Literary Contributions
English Poetry:
Jejuri (1976): A collection of poems about a pilgrimage to Jejuri, a small town in Maharashtra. This work won the Commonwealth Poetry Prize and is considered a landmark in Indian-English poetry.
Kala Ghoda Poems (2004): A collection inspired by the historic Kala Ghoda area in Mumbai.
Sarpasatra (2004): A long narrative poem based on Mahabharata myths.
Marathi Poetry:
Bhijki Vahi (The Soaked Notebook, 2003): A modernist and experimental Marathi poetry collection.
Chirimiri and Droan: Notable works in Marathi that showcase Kolatkar’s creative and innovative approach to poetry.
Style and Themes
Kolatkar’s poetry is known for its simplicity, sharp observation, and use of everyday language.
He explored themes of spirituality, tradition, alienation, modernity, and the mundane realities of life.
His unique ability to blend humor, irony, and profundity allowed him to portray ordinary moments with deep symbolic meaning.
Significance of Jejuri
Jejuri is one of his most celebrated works, capturing the poet’s reflections on a visit to the pilgrimage town of Jejuri.
The collection combines physical and spiritual journeys, often juxtaposing modern skepticism with ancient traditions.
It established Kolatkar as a major voice in Indian-English poetry, praised for its vivid imagery and minimalist style.
Legacy
Arun Kolatkar is remembered as one of India’s most significant modern poets.
His works continue to resonate for their nuanced depiction of Indian life, blending cultural commentary with a universal appeal.
Kolatkar’s ability to find profound meaning in the ordinary has cemented his place as a pioneer in Indian poetry, both in Marathi and English.
Word Meaning
| Tough Word | Meaning in English | Meaning in Hindi |
| Tarpaulin | A waterproof material used to cover things | तिरपाल (जलरोधक सामग्री) |
| Flaps | Loose pieces of material that move freely | झूलते हुए किनारे |
| Buttoned down | Fastened or secured using buttons | बटन लगाकर बंद किया हुआ |
| Whipping | Moving or hitting quickly and forcefully | तेज़ी से मारना या हिलना |
| Slapping | Striking with an open hand or something flat | थप्पड़ जैसा मारना |
| Roaring road | A road that produces a loud sound due to vehicles | गूंजती हुई सड़क |
| Daybreak | The beginning of morning; dawn | सुबह की शुरुआत (भोर) |
| Spills out | Flows out or escapes | बाहर निकलना |
| Countryside | Rural area with fields and villages | ग्रामीण इलाका |
| Castemark | A mark on the forehead symbolizing caste | जाति चिन्ह (माथे पर लगा चिह्न) |
| Eyelet | A small hole or opening | छेद या झिरी |
| Shoots | Moves suddenly or directs quickly | तेज़ी से चलना या निशाना लगाना |
| Sawed off | Cut off or shortened | काटा हुआ या छोटा किया गया |
| Temple | The side of the forehead | माथे का किनारा (कपाल) |
| Bumpy ride | A journey with many jerks or uneven movement | झटकों भरी सवारी |
| Get off | To leave or step out of a vehicle | वाहन से उतरना |
