Poem Analysis - The Gardener 21 Why Did He Choose To Come

A Lingering Question of Intrusion and Inspiration

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Gardener 21: Why did he choose to come" is a short, evocative poem that centers on the speaker's bewildered contemplation of a "wandering youth" who has taken up residence near her door. The poem exudes a gentle, almost hesitant tone, reflecting the speaker's internal conflict and growing sense of wonder. The repetition of the question "Why did he choose to come to my door?" emphasizes the speaker's bewilderment and gradually transforms from a question of simple curiosity into a deeper inquiry about the nature of inspiration and connection. A shift occurs in the second stanza, where the bewilderment transforms to a sense of inspiration.

The Intrusive Nature of Inspiration

One of the central themes of the poem is the disruptive yet potentially beneficial nature of artistic inspiration. The "wandering youth" can be interpreted as a personification of inspiration, arriving unbidden and disrupting the speaker's routine. The phrase "Why did he choose to come to my door?" suggests that the speaker feels invaded, however mildly, by this unexpected presence. This reflects a common experience where inspiration strikes at inconvenient times, demanding attention and potentially diverting one from everyday tasks. The very act of questioning his presence reveals the speaker's internal struggle to reconcile the intrusion with the potential for creative growth.

The Allure of the Unknown and the Emergence of Art

Another important theme is the allure of the unknown and its connection to artistic creation. The speaker admits, "I know not if I should speak to him or keep silent," highlighting the uncertainty and hesitancy that often accompany encounters with the unfamiliar. The youth's association with the changing seasons ("cloudy nights in July," "soft blue in the autumn," "restless spring days") suggests that he embodies the dynamic and unpredictable forces of nature and art. His weaving of "songs with fresh tunes every time" further emphasizes the constant renewal and innovation inherent in the creative process.

The Symbolic Power of the Door and the "Mist"

The "door" in the poem functions as a powerful symbol of threshold, representing the boundary between the speaker's inner world and the external world of inspiration. The youth's presence at the door suggests that he stands at the edge of the speaker's consciousness, waiting to be invited in. The image of the speaker's "eyes fill[ing] with the mist" is particularly striking. The "mist" can be interpreted as a symbol of emotional awakening and artistic vision. It suggests that the youth's presence has stirred something within the speaker, blurring the lines between reality and imagination, and opening her up to new possibilities of expression. This could also represent an awakening to the recognition of fleeting moments and the need to seize creative opportunities.

Final Reflections on Creation and Connection

In conclusion, Tagore's poem is a subtle exploration of the complex relationship between inspiration, intrusion, and artistic creation. The speaker's initial bewilderment gradually gives way to a sense of wonder and a recognition of the transformative power of the "wandering youth." The poem ultimately suggests that while inspiration may be disruptive, it is also essential for growth and can lead to moments of profound artistic insight and emotional depth. It poses a question not of simple arrival, but of how inspiration transforms those it touches.