This is My Delight by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem & Summary)

 

This is My Delight

by Rabindranath Tagore

(Poem & Summary) 

Song No. 44 of Rabindranath Tagore's Gitanjali is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of human longing and the search for divine connection. Titled "Amidst the rush and roar of life," this song reflects on the challenges and distractions that surround us in the modern world, and the yearning to find inner peace and spiritual solace.

In this song, Tagore paints a vivid picture of the chaotic and bustling nature of life, with its constant noise and demands. He highlights the struggles and hardships faced by individuals who are caught up in this fast-paced existence. Despite this overwhelming environment, the poet calls for a moment of stillness and reflection, encouraging the reader to withdraw from the noise and immerse themselves in the deeper truths of existence.

Tagore's words evoke a sense of longing and a desire to break free from the trappings of the material world. He suggests that amidst the rush and roar of life, there is a need to connect with something higher and more profound. The song speaks of the soul's yearning to merge with the divine, seeking a sense of inner calm and tranquility.

Throughout Gitanjali, Tagore explores themes of love, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all things. His poetic language and imagery invite readers to delve into the depths of their own emotions and experiences, encouraging introspection and reflection. In Song No. 44, Tagore's words inspire a sense of hope and the belief that amidst the chaos of life, there is always a possibility for finding peace and connection with something greater.

Overall, Song No. 44 of Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of seeking solace amidst the tumultuousness of life and finding moments of quiet contemplation to connect with our inner selves and the divine.

This is My Delight

THIS is my delight, thus to wait and watch at the wayside where shadow chases light

and the rain comes in the wake of the summer.

 

Messengers, with tidings from unknown skies, greet me and speed along the road. My

heart is glad within, and the breath of the passing breeze is sweet.

 

From dawn till dusk I sit here before my door, and I know that of a sudden the happy

moment will arrive when I shall see.

 

In the meanwhile I smile and I sing all alone. In the meanwhile the air is filling with the perfume of promise.

Summary

The poet joyfully awaits the arrival of God, having previously expressed feelings of despair, loneliness, and fervently called out for God's mercy. He finds solace in the act of waiting, whether it be on the threshold between day and night or during the transition from summer to rain. The poet's happiness and delight are enhanced by the arrival of God's messengers, who swiftly pass by on the road, carrying messages from the enigmatic skies. These messages fill the poet's heart with gladness and bring him inner contentment, as he savors the gentle caress of the passing breeze. From dawn until dusk, the poet patiently sits outside his door, confident that the divine presence will soon bless him. In this state of anticipation, he smiles, sings, and experiences profound happiness as the promise of God's grace envelops him in sweetness.

In this poem, Tagore introduces a fresh perspective. Unlike his previous lyrics that emphasized the act of waiting for God, here he finds great joy in the anticipation itself and is filled with happiness, as he firmly believes in his ultimate union with God. What sets this poem apart is his absence of complaint, which is both novel and remarkable. The seemingly endless monotony of waiting does not dampen his spirits; instead, he revels in the anticipation, knowing with certainty that he will be united with God. The presence of various natural elements further intensifies his conviction and imbues them with a sense of sweetness and bliss. As God's messengers appear, reminding him of the forthcoming union and providing reassurance, even the breeze carries a delightful essence, saturating the air with the promise of God's divine fragrance. Ultimately, this lyric beautifully expresses Tagore's unwavering faith and the profound joy he derives from that faith.