Poem Analysis - The Gardener 11 Come As You Are

An Invitation to Authenticity

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Gardener 11: Come as you are" is a passionate plea for naturalness and immediacy in love. The poem urges the subject, presumably a lover, to abandon superficial preparations and embrace the urgency of the moment. Its tone is initially coaxing and then becomes more assertive, driven by the encroaching storm and the fear of lost time. The mood shifts from patient entreaty to a sense of impending urgency and a celebration of unadorned beauty.

The Call to Unconditional Acceptance

A central theme is the celebration of unconditional acceptance. The poem repeatedly emphasizes that imperfections are not only acceptable but perhaps even desirable. Phrases like "If your braided hair has loosened," "if the parting of your hair be not straight," and "if the ribbons of your bodice be not fastened, do not mind" create a sense of freedom from societal expectations of perfect appearance. This theme suggests a love that values the true self over artificial presentation, highlighting the beauty found in authenticity. The repetition of "Come as you are; Do not loiter over your toilet" reinforces this idea, urging the lover to prioritize genuine connection over superficial grooming.

Nature's Urgency and Love's Immediacy

Another prominent theme is the urgency of love in the face of time. The impending storm, described through vivid imagery like "clouds wrapping the sky," "flocks of cranes," and "fitful gusts of wind," serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the need to seize the present moment. The anxious cattle returning to their stalls further emphasizes the need for shelter and connection. This natural urgency contrasts sharply with the artificial delays of "the toilet," symbolizing the trivialities that can distract from true connection. The poem uses the storm to emphasize the importance of immediacy in love, suggesting that opportunities for genuine connection should not be wasted on superficial preparations.

Symbolism of Light and Dark

The poem employs the symbolism of light and dark to contrast artificial beauty with natural allure. The "toilet lamp" represents the futile attempt to enhance appearance through artificial means. Its flickering and eventual extinction symbolize the inadequacy of such efforts in the face of natural beauty. Conversely, the lover's eyes are described as "darker than rain-clouds," suggesting a profound depth and natural beauty that surpasses any artificial enhancement. The darkness of the rain clouds represents a raw, untamed beauty that the speaker finds more captivating than any cosmetic touch. This imagery emphasizes the superiority of natural beauty and genuine connection over artificial presentation.

A Summons to Authentic Connection

In conclusion, "The Gardener 11: Come as you are" is a powerful invitation to embrace authenticity and immediacy in love. The poem encourages us to value genuine connection over superficial appearance, urging us to seize the moment and appreciate the beauty of the unadorned self. Through vivid imagery, a shifting tone, and potent symbolism, Tagore delivers a timeless message about the true essence of love and the importance of embracing our natural selves. The poem leaves the reader contemplating the value of authenticity in relationships and the significance of cherishing the present moment.