3. Introduction to the poem

The poem "Geography Lesson" by Zulfikar Ghose focuses on the poet's perspective on earth and its inhabitants. It is published in his poetry collection "The Violent West, A Memory of Asia and Selected Poem".

 

 

It is very easy to judge any situation and assume things when one sees things from one perspective. But when one detaches from the boundaries of one's own comfort zone, the reality becomes evident. The poet narrates the entire poem from the viewpoint of someone who is flying a jet. He looks below and recounts what he sees. He appreciates and at the same time, criticizes certain aspect of the earth. The poem is an attempt to stress the importance of unity.