Stammer
K. Satchidanandan
Detailed Summary
The poem Stammer by K. Satchidanandan presents stammering not as a weakness or a disability, but as a natural, expressive mode of communication. The poet uses stammering as a metaphor to represent the gap between language and meaning—the idea that what we say may not always express what we truly mean.
The poem suggests that stammering is the silence that exists between words and actions, or thoughts and speech. It’s compared to lameness, which is a silence between decision and physical movement. The poet questions whether stammering came before or after language, leaving even linguists confused—and in doing so, making them metaphorically “stammer” too.
The poem deepens its philosophical view by saying that every time we stammer, we sacrifice to the God of meanings, showing that even hesitation has spiritual value. When an entire society stammers, it becomes their mother tongue, suggesting that flaws in language become normal when widespread. The poet finally imagines God stammering while creating man, which may explain why human language carries multiple meanings, and why everything from prayers to orders stammers like poetry.
Theme
- Stammering as a Metaphor: It symbolises the imperfections of human language.
- Language vs. Meaning: There is always a gap between what we say and what we mean.
- Social Acceptance: What is considered a flaw can become normal when shared by many.
- Poetic Expression: Even broken language has beauty, like poetry.