THE sleep that flits on baby's eyes (Song 61) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

THE sleep that flits on baby's eyes (Song 61) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

The sleep that flits on baby's eyes - does anybody know from where it comes? Yes, there is a rumour that it has its dwelling where, in the fairy village among shadows of the forest dimly lit with glow-worms, there hang two timid buds of enchantment. From there it comes to kiss baby's eyes.

The smile that flickers on baby's lips when he sleeps - does anybody know where it was born? Yes, there is a rumour that a young pale beam of a crescent moon touched the edge of a vanishing autumn cloud, and there the smile was first born in the dream of a dew-washed morning - the smile that flickers on baby's lips when he sleeps.

The sweet, soft freshness that blooms on baby's limbs - does anybody know where it was hidden so long? Yes, when the mother was a young girl it lay pervading her heart in tender and silent mystery of love - the sweet, soft freshness that has bloomed on baby's limbs.

 

Summary

The poem is sweet, charming, and innocent like a child. Its theme is similar to an earlier one where the poet admires the beauty of childhood. The poet wonders where the sleep that briefly touches a child’s face comes from. He answers himself, saying it comes from a magical fairy village hidden in the shadows of the forest, lit by glowworms. The child's smile is special—it’s not just any smile, but one that comes from the golden rays of sunlight touching an autumn cloud, making it even more beautiful at dawn.

The softness of the child’s limbs, delicate like a flower, is a gift from the mother, born from the love and tenderness she felt as a young girl.

 

Analysis

The song praises the beauty of childhood, highlighting its charm. Through the lyrics, childhood is shown in a special way that many people may not usually notice. The gentle, peaceful sleep, the sweet smile, and the soft, tender limbs are like decorations in the poet's poem. The beautiful smiles are full of meaning and imagination, expressing the romantic nature of the poet.