Poem Analysis - When Day Is Done

An Evening Prayer for Rest and Renewal

Rabindranath Tagore's "When Day Is Done" is a gentle and contemplative poem, a plea for solace and rejuvenation at the end of a long journey. The tone is initially one of weariness, reflecting the exhaustion of the day, but it shifts to one of hope and trust in a benevolent power. The poem uses natural imagery to express a deep need for rest and a desire for spiritual renewal. It reads like a personal prayer seeking refuge and restoration from life’s hardships.

The Weariness of Existence: A Central Theme

One of the poem's main themes is the weariness of existence. This is established in the opening lines with imagery of the day ending, birds ceasing their song, and the wind becoming "flagged tired." These images suggest a universal sense of exhaustion and the natural cycle of rest that follows activity. The persona identifies with this natural weariness, requesting to be enveloped in darkness as the earth is wrapped in sleep, highlighting the shared human need for rest and peace.

Symbolism of Night and Darkness

Night and darkness in the poem are not presented as something negative, but rather as symbols of comfort and renewal. The speaker asks to be covered by "the veil of darkness thick," mirroring how the earth is "wrapt with the coverlet of sleep." This emphasizes the protective and nurturing qualities of the night, a time for healing and restoration. This protective darkness stands in contrast to the harsh light of day, where burdens are evident. The image of the drooping lotus closing its petals adds to the feeling of delicate surrender to rest.

The Traveler's Plea: Rebirth Through Rest

The second stanza introduces the image of a traveler worn down by his journey. This figure, with his empty sack, torn garments, and depleted strength, embodies human vulnerability and the hardships of life. The poem directly addresses a higher power, asking to "remove shame and poverty" from this traveler. The ultimate request is to "renew his life like a flower under the cover of thy kindly night." This reinforces the theme of rebirth and the restorative power of darkness, highlighting the potential for renewal that comes with rest and spiritual surrender.

Imagery of Nature: A Path to Understanding

Throughout the poem, Tagore uses vivid natural imagery to express spiritual and emotional states. The drooping lotus, the tired wind, and the setting sun all contribute to a sense of completion and the need for repose. These images suggest that human experience is closely intertwined with the natural world and that we can find solace and understanding by observing and emulating its rhythms. The closing image of the flower renewed under the night suggests the potential for growth and beauty even after periods of hardship and exhaustion.

Concluding Thoughts: A Poem of Hope

In conclusion, "When Day Is Done" is a moving poem about the human need for rest, renewal, and divine grace. Through gentle imagery and a tone of humble supplication, Tagore explores the themes of weariness, hope, and the restorative power of nature. The poem ultimately offers a message of comfort and reassurance, suggesting that even in the face of hardship and exhaustion, there is always the possibility of rebirth and renewal under the protective embrace of the night. It's a testament to the cyclical nature of life and the enduring promise of hope found in quiet surrender.