Peace, my heart, let the time for
the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain
into songs.
Let the flight through the sky end
in the folding of the wings over the
nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be
gentle like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a
moment, and say your last words in
silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp
to light you on your way.
"The Gardener LXI: Peace" by Rabindranath Tagore is a poem that explores the themes of peace, contentment, and the tranquility found in nature. Through its gentle and contemplative language, the poem conveys a sense of harmony and inner peace.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing a desire for peace, referring to it as a "grey mist on the sea." This metaphor suggests that peace is a calming and soothing presence that envelops the speaker.
Tagore uses nature imagery to convey a sense of peace. The "cool shade of a tree" and the "whispers of a stream" evoke a tranquil natural setting that contrasts with the busyness and chaos of human life.
The poem's central message is that true peace is found in the embrace of nature and the quietude it offers. The speaker seeks solace in the natural world, away from the noise and distractions of the human world.
The final lines of the poem emphasize the idea that peace is not an external pursuit but an inner state of being. It is something that can be found within oneself by connecting with the serenity of nature.
"Peace" is a poem that celebrates the restorative power of nature and the importance of finding inner tranquility. Tagore's use of gentle and soothing imagery creates a sense of calm and invites readers to reflect on their own quest for peace and contentment in a busy world. It underscores the idea that amidst the challenges of life, one can always seek solace and find peace in the beauty and serenity of the natural world.
