Religion

Gitanjali 99: When I give up the helm I know

by Rabindranath Tagore 1861–1941

Translated by Rabindranath Tagore (1912) · From Gitanjali (1912)

Religion

When I give up the helm I know that the time has come for thee to take it. What there is to do will be instantly done. Vain is this struggle.

Then take away your hands and silently put up with your defeat, my heart, and think it your good fortune to sit perfectly still where you are placed.

These my lamps are blown out at every little puff of wind, and trying to light them I forget all else again and again.

But I shall be wise this time and wait in the dark, spreading my mat on the floor; and whenever it is thy pleasure, my lord, come silently and take thy seat here.

MLA

Tagore, Rabindranath. “Gitanjali 99: When I give up the helm I know.” Translated by Rabindranath Tagore. Poetry Codex, poetrycodex.com/poem/tagore/98/.

Chicago

Tagore, Rabindranath. “Gitanjali 99: When I give up the helm I know.” Translated by Rabindranath Tagore. Poetry Codex. https://poetrycodex.com/poem/tagore/98/.

Read this poem with the Codex →

More by Rabindranath Tagore