Here's how:
* Raga as a Framework: A raga is not a fixed melody but a set of rules and constraints defining a specific mood and aesthetic. Within these rules, the musician improvises and creates variations, resulting in unique performances. Similarly, Kaufman's poem utilizes a framework of repetition, wordplay, and rhythmic patterns. The "Unanimity" line, for instance, acts as a recurring refrain, like the central note of a raga, providing a base for the poem's improvisational flow.
* Improvisation and Spontaneity: Raga performances are renowned for their spontaneous and free-flowing nature. Kaufman's poem, too, embraces improvisation. It jumps between seemingly disparate ideas, using stream-of-consciousness and non-linear narration, reflecting the unpredictable nature of improvisation.
* Rhythm and Sound: Like a raga, Kaufman's poem is structured by rhythmic patterns and sound devices. The poem's use of repetition, internal rhymes, and alliteration creates a musical flow, similar to the way a raga unfolds in rhythmic patterns.
* Expression of Emotion: Raga performances aim to evoke specific emotions through musical expression. Similarly, Kaufman's poem explores themes of unity, absurdity, and the human condition, using language as his instrument to evoke a range of emotions in the reader.
Therefore, while "Raga" doesn't explicitly appear in the poem, the concept offers a helpful framework for understanding the structure and essence of Kaufman's work. It highlights the poem's improvisational nature, rhythmic patterns, and its ability to evoke a particular emotional resonance, much like a raga in music.