When I bring to you coloured toys (Song 62) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

When I bring to you coloured toys (Song 62) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

When I bring to you coloured toys, my child, I understand why there is such a play of colours on clouds, on water, and why flowers are painted in tints - when I give coloured toys to you, my child.

 

When I sing to make you dance I truly know why there is music in leaves, and why waves send their chorus of voices to the heart of the listening earth - when I sing to make you dance.

 

When I bring sweet things to your greedy hands I know why there is honey in the cup of the flower and why fruits are secretly filled with sweet juice - when I bring sweet things to your greedy hands.

 

When I kiss your face to make you smile, my darling, I surely understand what the pleasure is that streams from the sky in morning light, and what delight that is which the summer breeze brings to my body - when I kiss you to make you smile.

 

When I sing to make you dance I truly know why there is music in leaves, and why waves send their chorus of voices to the heart of the listening earth - when I sing to make you dance.

 

Summary

The poem reflects the poet's thoughts on the wonder of creation. It touches on childhood, revealing the hidden mysteries of how things are made by the Creator. As a parent, the poet compares his child's happiness to the vibrant colors of clouds, reflections on water, and the various shades of painted flowers. He feels that when he gives his child colorful toys, Nature itself seems to light up with the joy of his child.

Likewise, when the poet sings to make his child dance, the leaves sway to the music, and the waves join in, sending their voices to the earth. The gifts the poet gives his child—sweet things—seem to fill flowers with honey and fruits with juice. Nature shares in the child’s happiness. The morning sunlight and gentle summer breeze bring more delight as the poet kisses his child, whose glowing smile lights up the world.

 

Analysis

Tagore continues to praise the child, finding beauty in their joy. The happiness of a child, he believes, holds a deeper understanding, capable of revealing the hidden mysteries of creation. The poet suggests that all of nature’s beauty is reflected in the joy of a child. When a child smiles or dances, it’s as if all of nature shares in that happiness.

Tagore also hints that nature itself—colorful clouds, flowers, juicy fruits, the soft light of morning, and refreshing breezes—exists for the joy and delight of children. Just as a poet enjoys creating, God takes pleasure in shaping the beauty of nature, much like a parent delights in seeing their child happy.

He compares the toys children play with to the bright clouds and flowers, and the child’s dance to the rustling music of leaves. The voices of waves join in a chorus, celebrating the earth. These gentle comparisons make the poem even more beautiful, adding simplicity and a deeper meaning.