"The Striders" by A.K. Ramanujan

  "The Striders" by A.K. Ramanujan

Put away, put away this dream.

And search

for certain thin-

stemmed, bubble-eyed water bugs.

See them perch

on dry capillary legs

weightless

on the ripple skin

of a stream. 

No, not only prophets

walk on water.

This bug sits

on a landslide of lights

and drowns eye-

deep

into its tiny strip

of sky. 

Summary, 

The Striders is a short yet highly symbolic poem by A. K. Ramanujan. The poem describes a group of water insects called "striders" that move effortlessly across the surface of a stream. Through this simple natural image, Ramanujan explores deeper ideas about life, balance, survival, and the relationship between appearance and reality.

The poem opens with a description of a flowing stream. The water is constantly moving, creating currents and disturbances beneath the surface. However, on top of this restless water, the striders glide lightly and gracefully. They appear calm and unaffected by the turbulent movement below them. Their long legs touch the water only at certain points, allowing them to remain above the surface without sinking. The poet carefully observes their movement and marvels at their ability to maintain balance in such an unstable environment.

As the poem progresses, Ramanujan focuses on the contrast between the insects and the stream. While the water underneath is restless and unpredictable, the striders seem peaceful and controlled. They move with precision and confidence, creating the impression that they have mastered the art of living on the edge between stability and uncertainty. Their delicate movement suggests a way of life that avoids being overwhelmed by the forces beneath them.

The striders become a symbol of human existence. Just as the insects stay afloat above the moving water, human beings often try to maintain balance amid the chaos, struggles, and uncertainties of life. Beneath the calm surface of everyday existence lie fears, conflicts, and emotional turbulence. Yet people continue to move forward, adapting to changing circumstances and finding ways to survive. The insects represent resilience, self-control, and the ability to navigate life's difficulties without being consumed by them.

The poem also highlights the poet's fascination with nature. Ramanujan transforms an ordinary scene into a profound meditation on life. He demonstrates how even the smallest creatures can teach important lessons about endurance and harmony. The striders do not fight against the current; instead, they work with the conditions around them, using their unique abilities to remain balanced. This suggests that wisdom lies not in controlling everything but in adapting gracefully to circumstances.

In the end, The Striders is more than a description of insects on water. It is a reflection on the human condition. Through vivid imagery and careful observation, Ramanujan shows how life is often a delicate act of balance. The poem encourages readers to recognize the hidden struggles beneath the surface of existence while admiring the strength and grace required to move forward despite them.

Themes,

1. Balance and Stability

The central theme of the poem is balance. The striders move effortlessly on the surface of flowing water without sinking. They symbolize the ability to remain steady and composed despite living in an unstable environment. Similarly, human beings must learn to maintain balance while facing life's uncertainties and challenges.

2. Survival and Adaptation

The striders survive because they have adapted perfectly to their surroundings. They do not struggle against the water but move in harmony with it. Ramanujan suggests that survival often depends on adaptability rather than strength, and that people must adjust to changing circumstances in order to thrive.

3. Appearance versus Reality

The insects appear calm and graceful on the water's surface, but beneath them the stream is constantly moving and turbulent. This contrast reflects the human condition, where outward calm may conceal inner conflicts, fears, and struggles. The poem reminds readers that reality is often more complex than it appears.

4. The Wisdom of Nature

Ramanujan closely observes a simple natural phenomenon and discovers a deeper meaning in it. The poem highlights nature as a source of wisdom and insight. Even small creatures like striders can teach valuable lessons about life, resilience, and coexistence with the environment.

5. Human Resilience

The striders symbolize people who continue moving forward despite difficulties. Their ability to glide above the water reflects the human capacity to endure hardships, overcome obstacles, and maintain dignity in challenging situations.

6. Harmony with the Environment

Rather than resisting the current, the striders work with the forces around them. This suggests that true success comes from understanding and cooperating with one's surroundings rather than trying to dominate them. The poem advocates a harmonious relationship between living beings and nature.

7. Observation and Reflection

The poem demonstrates how careful observation of everyday life can lead to profound reflections. Ramanujan transforms an ordinary scene into a meditation on existence, encouraging readers to look beyond the surface and discover deeper truths.