by Rabindranath
Tagore
(Poem & Summary)
This is the 53rd poem of
Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore. In this captivating poem, the author marvels
at the exquisite beauty found in two contrasting objects. The opening lines depict
a wristlet adorned with celestial stars and intricately crafted jewels,
radiating an enchanting allure. However, the poet's gaze is swiftly drawn to
another object, a sword possessed by a divine figure. This sword possesses a
captivating curvature resembling the outstretched wings of Vishnu's celestial
bird, shimmering with a furious crimson glow in the waning light of sunset. It
pulsates with the essence of life, the exhilarating response to pain at the
brink of death. It blazes with an intense brilliance, consuming worldly
perceptions in a single, fiery instant. The poet acknowledges the wristlet's
beauty, but it pales in comparison to the awe-inspiring and dreadful
magnificence of the thunderous lord's sword.
Beautiful is Thy Wristlet
Beautiful is thy wristlet, decked with
stars and cunningly wrought in myriad-coloured jewels. But more beautiful to me
thy sword with its curve of lightning like the outspread wings of the divine
bird of Vishnu, perfectly poised in the angry red light of the sunset.
It quivers like the one last response of
life in ecstasy of pain at the final stroke of death; it shines like the pure
flame of being burning up earthly sense with one fierce flash.
Beautiful is thy wristlet, decked with
starry gems; but thy sword, O lord of thunder, is wrought with uttermost
beauty, terrible to behold or to think of.
Summary
In this poem, the idea of detachment is
expressed. The poet believes that God has made a beautiful world, like a
precious ornament. The world is captivating and attractive to humans. It shines
brightly like a bracelet adorned with countless colorful jewels, made by God.
However, the poet thinks that God's sword is even more beautiful than the
bracelet. The sword of God is curved and shines like lightning. It resembles a
bird with outstretched wings, perfectly balanced in the angry red light of the
sunset. The poet believes that life on Earth is tempting and captivating, like
a jewel that tries to hide the heavenly glory of God. But the sword,
representing detachment, leads to the ultimate goal of the human soul: to
connect with the hidden, mysterious will of God. Those who ignore the allure of
earthly life and understand the spiritual significance of the sword can find
their way from the endless ocean of time to God's heavenly home. The sword,
with its harsh truth of spirituality, appears frightening compared to the
beautiful and decorated bracelet of God. Similarly, the path to the eternal
power is both terrifying and enlightening.
The poem explores two contrasting
aspects of life: materialism and detachment. These ideas are effectively
conveyed through the lovely images used in the poem. The poet describes the
wristlet as beautiful, adorned with sparkling gems, but the sword is even more
exquisitely crafted and awe-inspiring.
In essence, the poem uses striking
images to convey the idea that while the world may be alluring and filled with
material pleasures like a beautiful wristlet, true beauty lies in detachment,
symbolized by the sword. The poet recognizes the importance of freeing oneself
from worldly attachments and desires.
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