Introduction of the Poem:
In this monologue from Ezekiel's Collected Poems (1989), a railway clerk expresses his discontent and unhappiness at the kind of life he has to lead and the difficulties and problems he faces. Even though he carries out the orders of his superiors, he is criticized when anything goes wrong. It is a realistic poem which is full of humour and pathos. Although it deals with the day - to - day problems and grievances of an ordinary railway clerk, the chief source of humour in this poem arises out of Ezekiel's use of English exactly in the manner in which an Indian railway clerk would use it:
“I never neglect my responsibility,
I discharge it properly,
I do my duty.
But who appreciates?
Nobody, I tell you.”
In the use of Indian English, The Railway Clerk bears comparison with Goodbye Party for Miss Pushpa T.S.
Critical Summary:
The railway clerk's leave application has been rejected twice during the current year. He’s overburdened with work, yet he is not paid any overtime. Besides, his wife is always demanding more money to meet the household expenses and he doesn't know where to get this additional money from. His work is such that no one offers him any bribe, though his more fortunate colleagues do get bribes. Since he is not a graduate, there are no prospects of promotion for him in this present job.
The railway clerk wishes that he were a bird instead of an overworked, disgruntled human being. He has never neglected his duties, yet no one has ever appreciated his dedication and devotion to work. What is worse, he has to work at a desk that is too small for the efficient performance of his duties. The fan overhead has been out of order for the last couple of months and it has not been repaired. His office is situated at a long distance from his residence in Borivli (Mumbai). As a result, he cannot properly look after his children who have started neglecting their studies. His mother - in - law is ill and he has to bear her medical expenses. He wonders how long the present state of affairs can go on.
Once a week when he goes to see a movie, the railway clerk feels quite happy. His friends are the only source of comfort and consolation in his life; he meets them occasionally for a chat and they discuss the problems of the country. Some of his friends think of going abroad but he cannot do so because of his circumstances.
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