Rabindranath Tagore Poems

Rabindranath Tagore Poems

Rabindranath Tagore, often referred to as Gurudev, was a prolific poet, and his works are celebrated for their lyrical beauty, spiritual depth, and universal themes. Here are a few of his famous poems:

1. Gitanjali (Song Offerings): A collection of poems for which Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. It contains beautiful verses expressing devotion, love, and spirituality.

"Gitanjali" is one of Rabindranath Tagore's most famous works, a collection of poems that earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Here are a few excerpts from "Gitanjali (Song Offerings)":

1. Verse 35:

"Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high

Where knowledge is free

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments

By narrow domestic walls"

2. Verse 43:

"I thought that my voyage had come to its end at the last limit of my power, that the path before me was closed, that provisions were exhausted and the time come to take shelter in a silent obscurity."

3. Verse 67:

"Let only that little be left of me whereby I may name thee my all.

Let only that little be left of my will whereby I may feel thee on every side, and come to thee in everything, and offer to thee my love every moment."

4. Verse 101:

"I have had my invitation to this world's festival, and thus my life has been blessed. My eyes have seen and my ears have heard. It was my part at this feast to play upon my instrument, and I have done all I could."

5. Verse 102:

"In desperate hope I go and search for her in all the corners of my room; I find her not. My house is small and what once has gone from it can never be regained."

These excerpts capture the essence of Tagore's poetic brilliance and the spiritual depth of "Gitanjali (Song Offerings)." The collection is characterized by its devotion, introspection, and profound sense of longing for a deeper connection with the divine.

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2. Kabuliwala: This narrative poem tells the story of a friendship between a young girl, Mini, and a Kabuliwala (a fruit seller from Kabul) named Rahmat. It explores themes of nostalgia, friendship, and the passage of time.

"Kabuliwala" is actually a short story written by Rabindranath Tagore, rather than a poem. It was first published in 1892 and is one of Tagore's most beloved works. The story revolves around the friendship between a young girl named Mini and a Kabuliwala, a fruit-seller from Kabul named Rahmat.

In the story, Rahmat befriends Mini and visits her often, reminiscing about his own daughter back in Kabul. The story explores themes of friendship, nostalgia, and the bond between people from different backgrounds. It also touches upon the passage of time and the changes that occur in relationships as people grow older.

While "Kabuliwala" is not a poem, it is a beautifully written narrative that showcases Tagore's mastery of storytelling and his ability to evoke deep emotions in his readers. It has been adapted into various forms of media over the years and remains a timeless classic in literature.

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3. Where The Mind Is Without Fear: This poem is a call for freedom, envisioning an ideal society where people are free from narrow-mindedness, bigotry, and fear. It's one of Tagore's most famous and enduring works.

"Where The Mind Is Without Fear" is one of Rabindranath Tagore's most famous poems. Here it is:

Where the mind is without fear and the head is held high

Where knowledge is free

Where the world has not been broken up into fragments

By narrow domestic walls

Where words come out from the depth of truth

Where tireless striving stretches its arms towards perfection

Where the clear stream of reason has not lost its way

Into the dreary desert sand of dead habit

Where the mind is led forward by thee

Into ever-widening thought and action

Into that heaven of freedom, my Father, let my country awake.

This poem is a powerful call for freedom, envisioning an ideal society where individuals are free from fear and oppression. It emphasizes the importance of truth, reason, and continuous striving for perfection. The poem also highlights the need for unity and openness in society, where people are encouraged to think and act freely. Overall, "Where The Mind Is Without Fear" remains a timeless expression of Tagore's vision for a better world.

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4. The Crescent Moon: A collection of poems written for children, exploring themes of nature, innocence, and the imagination. The poems are simple yet profound, capturing the essence of childhood.

"The Crescent Moon" is a collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore, originally published in 1913. It's a series of lyrical verses written for children, exploring themes of nature, innocence, and the imagination. Here is one of the poems from the collection:

1. The Child Angel:

When from the deeps of sleep you waken, O child, and look around bewilderedly,

You see the room where you were sleeping, and your mother bending over you.

And you burst into your morning laugh and say, "O mother, I have had a dream!"

And mother wonders and smiles, saying, "What is it, my dear?"

And you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

And mother laughs and says, "Why, darling, what a funny man you are!"

But you shake your head and say, "No, no, I won't tell you."

And the sun comes out, and the wind blows from the blue sky, and you ask, "What is it, my dear?"

And you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

And the flowers open their eyes, and the birds sing, and you ask, "What is it, my dear?"

And you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

And the day goes by, and the night comes, and you ask, "What is it, my dear?"

And you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

And the stars shine, and the moon rises, and you ask, "What is it, my dear?"

And you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

And the world goes on, and you ask, "What is it, my dear?"

And you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

And you know that you will never tell, and mother wonders and laughs, saying, "What a funny man you are!"

And the sun sets, and the stars fade, and the moon goes down, and you ask, "What is it, my dear?"

And you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

And you close your eyes, and the world vanishes, and you go to sleep, and you say, "I won't tell you, I know."

These verses from "The Crescent Moon" capture the innocence and wonder of childhood, as well as the mysteries of the imagination. They showcase Tagore's ability to evoke vivid imagery and emotions through his poetry, making it accessible and enchanting for readers of all ages.

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5. The Gardener: A collection of love poems that explore the complexities of human relationships, longing, and the search for meaning. The poems are deeply emotional and introspective.

"The Gardener" is a collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore, first published in 1915. It consists of a series of love poems that explore various aspects of human emotions, relationships, and the connection between the individual soul and the divine. Here is an excerpt from "The Gardener":

Unending Love:

I seem to have loved you in numberless forms, numberless times...

In life after life, in age after age, forever.

My spellbound heart has made and remade the necklace of songs,

That you take as a gift, wear round your neck in your many forms,

In life after life, in age after age, forever.

Whenever I hear old chronicles of love, its age-old pain,

Its ancient tale of being apart or together.

As I stare on and on into the past, in the end you emerge,

Clad in the light of a pole-star, piercing the darkness of time.

You become an image of what is remembered forever.

You and I have floated here on the stream that brings from the fount.

At the heart of time, love of one for another.

We have played alongside millions of lovers, shared in the same

Shy sweetness of meeting, the same distressful tears of farewell—

Old love but in shapes that renew and renew forever.

Today it is heaped at your feet, it has found its end in you,

The love of all man’s days both past and forever:

Universal joy, universal sorrow, universal life.

The memories of all loves merging with this one love of ours—

And the songs of every poet past and forever.

These verses from "The Gardener" showcase Tagore's mastery of language and his ability to convey deep emotions through poetry. The collection as a whole is a celebration of love in its many forms and remains a timeless classic in literature.

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6. The Home and the World: A narrative poem that delves into the conflict between tradition and modernity, set against the backdrop of India's struggle for independence. It's a powerful exploration of nationalism, identity, and personal freedom.

"The Home and the World" is not a collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore; rather, it is a novel. Published in 1916, it is one of Tagore's most notable works of fiction. The novel, also known as "Ghare-Baire" in Bengali, explores themes such as nationalism, freedom, and the role of women in Indian society during the early 20th century.

In "The Home and the World," Tagore delves into the lives of three main characters: Nikhil, a liberal and enlightened landlord; Bimala, his wife who becomes involved with the Swadeshi movement; and Sandip, a charismatic and fiery nationalist leader. The novel unfolds against the backdrop of the Indian independence movement and portrays the tensions and conflicts arising from personal loyalties, political ideologies, and societal norms.

While "The Home and the World" is not a collection of poems, it is a profound and thought-provoking work of literature that continues to be studied and appreciated for its insightful exploration of complex social and political issues.

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7. Fruit Gathering: Another collection of poems that touch upon various aspects of life, including love, nature, spirituality, and the human condition. The poems are rich in imagery and symbolism, reflecting Tagore's deep connection to the natural world.

These are just a few examples of Rabindranath Tagore's vast body of work as a poet. His poems continue to inspire readers around the world with their timeless wisdom and beauty.

"Fruit-Gathering" is a collection of poems by Rabindranath Tagore, first published in 1916. This collection reflects Tagore's reflections on life, nature, spirituality, and the human condition. Here is an excerpt from "Fruit-Gathering":

The Gardener XXXIV:

I long to speak the deepest words I have to say to you; but I dare not, for fear you should laugh.

That is why I laugh at myself and shatter my secret in jest.

I make light of my pain, afraid you should do so.

I long to tell you the truest words I have to say to you; but I dare not, being afraid that you would not believe them.

That is why I disguise them in untruth, saying the contrary of what I mean.

I make my pain appear absurd, afraid that you should do so.

I long to use the most precious words I have for you; but I dare not, fearing I should not be paid with like value.

That is why I gave you hard names and boast of my callous strength.

I hurt you, for fear you should never know any pain.

I long to sit silent by you; but I dare not lest my heart come out at my lips.

That is why I prattle and chatter lightly and hide my heart behind words.

I rudely handle my pain, for fear you should do so.

I long to go away from your side; but I dare not, for fear my cowardice should become known to you.

That is why I hold my head high and carelessly come into your presence.

Constant thrusts from your eyes keep my pain fresh for ever.

These verses from "Fruit-Gathering" reflect Tagore's introspective and deeply emotional exploration of human relationships, communication, and the complexities of love. The collection as a whole is characterized by its rich imagery, lyrical beauty, and profound philosophical insights.

Rabindranath Tagore Poems