Thy sunbeam comes upon this earth (Song 68) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis)

 

Thy sunbeam comes upon this earth (Song 68) by Rabindranath Tagore (Poem, Summary & Analysis) 

Thy sunbeam comes upon this earth of mine with arms outstretched and stands at my door the livelong day to carry back to thy feet clouds made of my tears and sighs and songs.

With fond delight thou wrappest about thy starry breast that mantle of misty cloud, turning it into numberless shapes and folds and colouring it with hues ever changing.

It is so light and so fleeting, tender and tearful and dark, that is why thou lovest it, O thou spotless and serene. And that is why it may cover thy awful white light with its pathetic shadows.

Thy sunbeam comes upon this earth of mine with arms outstretched and stands at my door the livelong day to carry back to thy feet clouds made of my tears and sighs and songs.

 

Summary

The poem is simple and beautiful. The song is about devotion to God. The poet praises God's love, kindness, and caring nature. He thanks God for His grace and humility. The poet feels God's presence on Earth through sunlight, which comes from heaven like a mother with open arms ready to hug her child. The sunlight takes the poet's tears, sighs, and sufferings up to God. The poet knows that God cares for everyone and listens to their cries and thanks. Out of love, God holds these human sufferings close, even though they may darken His bright light. He gently accepts these pains and embraces them. Though God is calm and peaceful, He is touched by human sorrow. His love allows the cries and pleas of people to reach Him, and even though they may cast shadows on His bright light, He embraces them with love.

 

Critical Analysis

God loves everything He has made and cares for it. He is gentle, kind, humble, and full of grace. He does not ignore even the smallest creature. God knows when people are suffering. He is as loving as a mother and as caring as a father. He is not bothered by the sadness and troubles of people, and He lovingly accepts it all.

The images in this writing are very beautiful. Most of the pictures in Tagore's poem come from nature, like clouds, flowers, sunlight, and the changing seasons. His imagery is often inspired by the countryside of Bengal, making it unique and special.