Chapter 16
1. Why has the poet compared himself to grass? What are the features of grass?
Ans; The poet compares himself to grass because grass symbolizes resilience and persistence. Grass may be soft and easy to cut, but it always grows back. Even after being trampled or burned, it sprouts again with fresh life. Like grass, the poet believes that he cannot be permanently destroyed. No matter how much he is suppressed, his spirit will rise again. The main features of grass—its softness, ability to spread, and power to regrow after being cut—represent the poet’s undying will and connection to the land.
2. Grass is soft, smooth and not rough. It is easily cut. But the poet here has used it as a symbol. What does grass symbolise here?
Ans; In this poem, grass symbolizes resilience, resistance, hope, and rebirth. Although it appears weak and is easy to cut, grass never dies permanently. It keeps returning, covering the ground again. The poet uses grass as a metaphor for his unbreakable spirit, his identity, and the collective strength of the people. Even in the face of violence, destruction, or erasure, the poet (like grass) will come back stronger and spread again. It is a powerful symbol of survival and silent strength.
3. The poem suggests the resolute nature of the poet. Do you agree with it? Give your own opinion.
Ans; Yes, I completely agree that the poem shows the resolute and determined nature of the poet. Despite facing threats like violence, bombings, and cultural erasure, the poet refuses to give up. He compares himself to grass, which never stays down, no matter how often it is cut. This shows his inner strength and belief in justice and identity. In my opinion, the poet represents not just himself but all people who stand up against oppression. His words are filled with courage, faith, and hope, inspiring others to remain firm in difficult times.
4. What is the background of this poem? In what circumstances do you think this poem has been written?
Ans; This poem was written during a time of political unrest and violence in Punjab, especially in the 1970s and 1980s. Pash, a revolutionary poet, spoke against injustice, inequality, and state oppression. His poetry often reflected the struggles of the common people, students, farmers, and the working class. The poem reflects a background where educational institutions were attacked, poor areas were neglected, and freedom of thought was suppressed. In such circumstances, Pash wrote to remind people of their power to resist, recover, and rebuild, just like grass that grows again after being cut.
5. Summarise the poem in about 100 words:
Ans; In “I Am Like Grass,” the poet Pash uses the metaphor of grass to express his resilience and unbreakable spirit. He declares that no matter how much others try to suppress, destroy, or erase him—through violence, bombings, or cultural attacks—he will always bounce back and grow again. His identity, like grass, cannot be permanently removed. The poem speaks of the strength of ordinary people and their ability to rise even after devastation. Pash’s words reflect hope, determination, and faith in the future, portraying him as a voice of resistance and a symbol of life’s unstoppable force.
