Poem Analysis - The Gardener 18 Whenever They Go To Fetch Water

Introduction: A Playful Dance of Attraction

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Gardener 18: Whenever they go to fetch water" is a delicate exploration of budding attraction and the playful awareness between young women and an unseen admirer. The poem unfolds with a gentle, almost teasing tone, observing the subtle reactions of the two sisters as they repeatedly encounter the presence of someone hidden. It captures the tentative nature of early romantic interest, characterized by secret smiles, whispered conversations, and a growing sense of excitement and anticipation.

Whispers of Innocence: The Sisters' Secret Knowledge

One of the central themes of the poem is innocent awareness. The sisters are not portrayed as naive or oblivious; instead, they are keenly aware of the "somebody" hiding behind the trees. The repetition of "They must be aware of somebody" and "They must have guessed the secret" emphasizes this. This awareness is not fearful but rather playful, as evidenced by their smiles and whispers. The sisters share a secret, a shared understanding of the admirer's presence, strengthening their bond and adding to the overall sense of lightness and joy. The poem suggests that the sisters are enjoying the attention and the anticipation it creates.

The Beating Heart: Yearning from Afar

The poem also delicately explores the theme of unspoken desire. The phrase "somebody's heart is beating" is a direct and powerful image, conveying the nervous excitement and longing of the hidden observer. This image suggests a sense of vulnerability and the intensity of his feelings. The heart beating represents the emotional core of the poem, contrasting with the playful behavior of the sisters. The fact that the heart is beating behind the trees emphasizes the distance and the longing for connection, creating a sense of anticipation for a possible meeting, and also highlighting the potential awkwardness or fear associated with making an approach. The poem beautifully juxtaposes the sisters' lightheartedness with the admirer's more intense and somewhat anxious emotions.

Water and Laughter: Symbols of Life and Joy

The poem uses vivid imagery to enhance its themes. Water acts as a recurring symbol of life and purity. The act of fetching water is a fundamental, everyday activity, representing the rhythm of life and the sisters' connection to their community. However, the "pitchers lurch suddenly, and water spills" suggests a disruption of this everyday routine caused by the presence of the admirer. This spillage can be interpreted as a loss of composure, a subtle indication of the sisters' growing awareness and excitement. The "laughter in their swift-stepping feet" is another powerful image, conveying joy and energy. Laughter symbolizes the delight they take in the situation and, perhaps, a gentle teasing of the hidden admirer. The feet suggest a sense of urgency and anticipation, hinting at a desire to prolong the game of attraction. Is their laughter genuinely happy, or does it have a touch of nervousness or even a hint of cruelty? The ambiguity here adds depth to the poem.

Conclusion: An Enduring Moment of Anticipation

In conclusion, Tagore's "The Gardener 18: Whenever they go to fetch water" captures a fleeting moment of burgeoning romance. It is a poem about the playful dance of attraction, the secret knowledge shared between young women, and the yearning of an admirer from afar. Through vivid imagery and a gentle tone, the poem explores the themes of innocent awareness, unspoken desire, and the symbolic power of water and laughter. The poem's significance lies in its ability to evoke the universal experience of early romantic interest, reminding us of the joy, anticipation, and vulnerability that accompany those first steps toward connection. The open ending leaves us wondering about the future of this encounter, adding to the poem's enduring charm.