When my play was with thee I never questioned who thou wert (song 97) by Rabindranath Tagore (poem, summary & analysis)

 

When my play was with thee I never questioned who thou wert (song 97) by Rabindranath Tagore (poem, summary & analysis) 

When my play was with thee I never questioned who thou wert. I knew nor shyness nor fear, my life was boisterous.

In the early morning thou wouldst call me from my sleep like my own comrade and lead me running from glade to glade.

On those days I never cared to know the meaning of songs thou sangeet to me. Only my voice took up the tunes, and my heart danced in their cadence.

Now, when the playtime is over, what is this sudden sight that is come upon me? The world with eyes bent upon thy feet stands in awe with all its silent stars.

When my play was with thee I never questioned who thou wert. I knew nor shyness nor fear, my life was boisterous.

 

Summary

The deep truth of the bond between God and humans is often understood late in life, usually when death is near. During the busy days of life, the poet never thought much about God or who his true companion was. He played through life as if God were just a friend, without any fear or respect. The poet was so caught up in life's little joys that he didn't feel God's presence beside him.

Every day, God was the quiet guide who woke him up and led him forward, but the poet never stopped to think about the inspiration behind his songs. He enjoyed life’s music without realizing the divine light behind it. He was lost in the surface-level happiness of life and never considered its deeper meaning. But now, as death approaches, when playtime is over, he suddenly gains a new understanding. Now, he sees the divine wisdom. He realizes that the whole world is in awe of God's greatness.

 

Critical Analysis

The poem repeats the same ideas. It talks about how humans often ignore divine wisdom, get caught up in their busy lives, and fail to notice hidden inspiration or the certainty of death. It also mentions the mysterious, loving presence of a higher power, the spiritual awakening sent by God, and the journey to eternal life. While the language is simple, the repetition of these ideas makes the poem feel less rich and diverse.