Religion

Fruit-Gathering 76: Timidly I cowered in the shadow of safety

by Rabindranath Tagore 1861–1941

Translated by Rabindranath Tagore (1916) · From Fruit-Gathering (1916)

Religion

Timidly I cowered in the shadow of safety, but now, when the surge of joy carries my heart upon its crest, my heart clings to the cruel rock of its trouble.

I sat alone in a corner of my house thinking it too narrow for any guest, but now when its door is flung open by an unbidden joy I find there is room for thee and for all the world.

I walked upon tiptoe, careful of my person, perfumed, and adorned—but now when a glad whirlwind has overthrown me in the dust I laugh and roll on the earth at thy feet like a child.

MLA

Tagore, Rabindranath. “Fruit-Gathering 76: Timidly I cowered in the shadow of safety.” Translated by Rabindranath Tagore. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/tagore/589/.

Chicago

Tagore, Rabindranath. “Fruit-Gathering 76: Timidly I cowered in the shadow of safety.” Translated by Rabindranath Tagore. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/tagore/589/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Rabindranath Tagore