When I go from hence let this be my parting word (song 96) by Rabindranath Tagore (poem, summary & analysis)

 

When I go from hence let this be my parting word (song 96) by Rabindranath Tagore (poem, summary & analysis) 

When I go from hence let this be my parting word, that what I have seen is unsurpassable.

I have tasted of the hidden honey of this lotus that expands on the ocean of light, and thus am I blessed - let this be my parting word.

In this playhouse of infinite forms I have had my play and here have I caught sight of him that is formless.

My whole body and my limbs have thrilled with his touch who is beyond touch; and if the end comes here, let it come - let this be my parting word.

When I go from hence let this be my parting word, that what I have seen is unsurpassable.

 

Summary

These lyrics reflect Tagore's final thoughts as he prepares to leave this world. The poet feels deep gratitude and peace, having fully embraced life. For him, life's gifts are unmatched and cannot be surpassed. He has tasted the hidden sweetness of life, vast like the ocean, and experienced the joy of divine love. This is his farewell message to the world.

 

To Tagore, life is like a grand stage, where people play endless roles, much like Shakespeare’s view that life is a play. However, Tagore goes further, believing that even God takes part in this play, acting in many roles and forms. While human life is brief, God’s play is infinite and eternal. In the beauty of the universe, Tagore has seen a reflection of the divine. He has felt the joy of God’s presence and is deeply content with his life. Now, if the end comes, he is ready to welcome it with satisfaction.

 

Critical Analysis

The poem carries a sense of deep satisfaction. The mood is joyful and filled with gratitude. The poet is full of praise and thankfulness for life. He has tasted the sweetness of life, and after experiencing its many forms, he is ready to leave with words of thanks for both life and the Divine spirit, as he prepares to embrace death peacefully.

"My whole body and my limbs have thrilled with his touch who is beyond touch; and if the end comes here, let it come - let this be my parting word."

This is the poet's farewell speech, but instead of focusing on death, it celebrates life on Earth. When death comes, everything that a person once ignored or took for granted suddenly seems precious and beautiful. The poet is deeply moved by the beauty of God's creation.

The poet sees the world like a vast stage filled with countless shapes and forms. These forms, though visible, represent aspects of God, who is invisible and without form. The poet feels joy and awe from experiencing nature, even though nature is just a reflection of the divine. He hopes that when his life ends, he will be surrounded by this beauty, happy to say that he is content to die among the many forms of life, all connected to the energy of God.