Poem Analysis - Salutation

A Humble Offering of Self

Rabindranath Tagore's "Salutation" is a deeply devotional poem, characterized by its tone of reverence and yearning. The poem expresses a desire for complete surrender and unification with the divine. It begins with a plea for sensory and mental devotion, then evolves into an offering of artistic expression and finally culminates in a complete spiritual journey. The overall mood is one of humble submission and passionate longing for connection with God.

Themes of Devotion and Surrender

One of the central themes of the poem is devotion. This is evident in the repeated phrase "in one salutation to thee," which acts as a refrain, emphasizing the singular focus of the speaker's worship. Each stanza offers a different aspect of the self – the senses, the mind, artistic expression, and ultimately life itself – as a form of adoration. The poem also explores the theme of surrender. The speaker seeks to bend, flow, and take voyage, actions which indicate a giving up of individual will in favor of a higher power. This complete surrender highlights a desire for spiritual union. Finally, the poem touches on the theme of homecoming, especially evident in the final stanza with the image of cranes returning to their nests. This suggests a yearning to return to one's spiritual origin, finding peace and belonging in the divine.

Rain, Songs, and Cranes: Symbols of Union

The poem uses vivid imagery to convey its themes. The image of the "rain-cloud of July / hung low with its burden of unshed showers" is particularly striking. This can be interpreted as the mind, full of thoughts and emotions, humbly bowing before God. The cloud, heavy with potential, symbolizes the mind's capacity for devotion and the act of "bending down" suggests submission. The "sea of silence" is another powerful symbol, representing the ultimate union with the divine where individual voices (songs) merge into a vast, peaceful wholeness. The image of the "flock of homesick cranes flying night and day / back to their mountain nests" symbolizes the soul's journey back to its eternal home. The cranes' tireless flight illustrates the persistence and determination required in the spiritual quest.

A Voyage to the Eternal Home

The final stanza elevates the concept of salutation to encompass the entirety of life's journey. The "voyage to its eternal home" implies that life itself is a pilgrimage towards God. This is not merely a momentary act of worship, but a lifelong commitment to spiritual growth and ultimate union. The use of "eternal home" creates a sense of belonging and safety, suggesting that the journey, though arduous, is guided by a loving presence. The speaker is seeking not just a connection, but a return to his origin, a place of ultimate peace and fulfillment. It begs the question: Is this "eternal home" a literal place, a state of being, or simply a metaphor for complete spiritual enlightenment?

An Enduring Testament of Faith

In conclusion, "Salutation" is a profound expression of devotion and yearning for spiritual union. Through powerful imagery and a consistent tone of humble submission, Tagore conveys a universal desire to connect with the divine. The poem's significance lies in its ability to articulate the longing for a higher power and the transformative power of complete surrender. It stands as a beautiful testament to the enduring human quest for spiritual fulfillment and the peace found in returning to one's "eternal home."