Poem Analysis - The Gardener 65 Is That Your Call Again

An Introduction to Longing and Conflict

Rabindranath Tagore's "The Gardener 65: Is that your call again" is a poignant exploration of duty versus personal desire. The poem begins with a tone of weary resignation, quickly transitioning to one of frustration and reluctant acceptance. The speaker grapples with an external "call" that demands their attention, contrasting this obligation with a deep yearning for rest, solitude, and the comforting embrace of the familiar. The poem resonates with the internal conflict between responsibility and the desire for personal peace, ultimately portraying a weary surrender to the demands of duty.

Historical Context and Tagore's Philosophy

While a direct historical context isn't explicitly stated, Tagore's background as a Bengali polymath and his philosophical leanings towards humanism and spiritual connection are important. He often wrote about the tension between the material world and the spiritual realm, as well as the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life. In this poem, the "call" could represent a social responsibility, a creative urge, or even a spiritual beckoning, reflecting Tagore's broader concerns.

Themes of Duty, Rest, and Unrequited Desire

One of the central themes is the conflict between duty and personal rest. The speaker is exhausted ("Weariness clings around me") and desires the "loneliness of the dark," a space of personal solace. However, the relentless "call" disrupts this yearning, forcing the speaker to abandon their own needs. The second key theme is unrequited desire. The "cruel mistress" seems to represent a demanding force that gives little in return, evoking a sense of unfulfilled longing and potential exploitation. The speaker's offering of their "day" only results in further demands, highlighting the unequal dynamic. Finally, the poem touches upon isolation and belonging. The speaker dreams of the ferry boat taking laborers to their homes, a symbol of belonging and peaceful rest, from which he is excluded by the demands of his "mistress."

Symbolic Imagery: Darkness, Towers, and the Ferry-Boat

The poem is rich in symbolism. The "evening" and "dark" represent not just the time of day, but also a symbolic space of rest, introspection, and personal freedom. The "pitiless tower" associated with the "mistress" signifies a place of power, dominance, and potentially, confinement. This contrasts with the "lonely house" where the lamp burns, symbolizing the speaker's abandoned domesticity and personal life. Perhaps the most potent symbol is the "ferry-boat" carrying "weary labourers to their home." This image represents a community, rest, and a sense of belonging—all of which are denied to the speaker by the unrelenting "call." The flowers dropping "on the dust in soft death" can be interpreted as both a natural cycle and a gentle contrast to the harsh call. Is the gentle reminder of our mortality urging us to seek the peace that the speaker is not allowed to have?

Final Reflection: A Surrender to the Inevitable

"The Gardener 65" ultimately portrays a poignant surrender to the demands of duty, however unwelcome. The speaker, despite their weariness and desire for personal peace, chooses to abandon their dreams and hasten to the "call." The poem's significance lies in its exploration of the universal struggle between personal desire and external obligation, leaving the reader with a sense of both empathy for the speaker's plight and a recognition of the often-unavoidable compromises we make in life. The poem ends with an acceptance and with a feeling of melancholy.