I Boasted among men that I had known you (song 102) by Rabindranath Tagore (poem, summary & analysis)

I Boasted among men that I had known you (song 102) by Rabindranath Tagore (poem, summary & analysis)

I Boasted among men that I had known you. They see your pictures in all works of mine. They come and ask me, "Who is he?" I know not how to answer them. I say, "Indeed, I cannot tell." They blame me and they go away in scorn. And you sit there smiling.

I put my tales of you into lasting songs. The secret gushes out from my heart. They come and ask me, "Tell me all your meanings." I know not how to answer them. I say, "Ah, who knows what they mean!" They smile and go away in utter scorn. And you sit there smiling.

I Boasted among men that I had known you. They see your pictures in all works of mine. They come and ask me, "Who is he?" I know not how to answer them. I say, "Indeed, I cannot tell." They blame me and they go away in scorn. And you sit there smiling.

 

Summary

The poem shows that God, who is everywhere and in everything, cannot be fully explained. He isn't found in words, but the poet feels His presence deep in his heart and soul. The poet's verses reflect this mysterious spirit. When people cannot understand the mystery, they come to Tagore and ask, "Who is He?" The powerful feeling in his poems is beyond their understanding, and Tagore feels frustrated and embarrassed when he cannot give them an answer. They criticize him and leave in anger, while God watches and smiles. The poet's songs praise God's home, the mystery of His actions, the eternal path, and the joy of spiritual union, but when people ask for the meaning, he remains silent. They laugh at him, and God enjoys the scene.

The hidden message of the poet's words is beyond everyone's understanding. He explains that humans try to use their intellect to uncover the secrets of the Supreme Power, but God is beyond intellectual understanding. We can only feel His divine presence. We cannot see Him with our eyes; He lives within our souls. To understand Him, we need spiritual purity. The deep mysteries of God are like a puzzle that can only be solved with the light of understanding and a heart full of innocence.

 

Critical Analysis

The poem uses simple words, but its meaning can be hard for everyone to understand. It highlights the importance of purity, devotion, innocence, and love. A person cannot find Him through logic or intellect, but He is close to those who have true love, devotion, and innocence. His identity cannot be fully described in words or painted with a brush.

"I put my tales of you into lasting songs. The secret gushes out from my heart. They come and ask me, 'Tell me all your meanings'. I know not how to answer them. I say, Ah who knows what they mean!' They smile and go away in utter scorn. And you sit here smiling."

These lines share a deep truth about God. Tagore says we can't fully explain God or His love with words. To truly understand Him, you need a pure and devoted heart. Only a heart full of humanity can connect with the reality of God. The poet shares how, when people ask him about God, he feels confused because he doesn't have the perfect answer. He says, "Ah, who knows what they mean!" People may smile at his struggle, and God smiles too. Tagore beautifully captures the mystery of God—you can feel His presence, but no matter how much you try, you can’t fully explain Him.