"Brink Of Eternity" by Rabindranath Tagore is a poignant and introspective poem that explores themes of longing, loss, and the search for meaning and connection. The poem delves into the speaker's desperate search for something or someone, symbolized by the pronoun "her," and their realization of the limitations of the physical world. The poem conveys the idea that true fulfillment and meaning lie beyond the material realm, in a deeper connection with the divine or the infinite.
"Brink Of Eternity" by Rabindranath Tagore
In desperate hope I go and search for her
in all the corners of my room;
I find her not.
My house is small
and what once has gone from it can never be regained.
But infinite is thy mansion, my lord,
and seeking her I have to come to thy door.
I stand under the golden canopy of thine evening sky
and I lift my eager eyes to thy face.
I have come to the brink of eternity from which nothing can vanish
---no hope, no happiness, no vision of a face seen through tears.
Oh, dip my emptied life into that ocean,
plunge it into the deepest fullness.
Let me for once feel that lost sweet touch
in the allness of the universe.
Summary
"Brink Of Eternity" depicts the speaker's desperate search for something or someone that cannot be found within the confines of their physical surroundings. They come to the realization that their house is limited in space and what is lost cannot be recovered. However, the poem takes a turn toward a spiritual perspective, as the speaker acknowledges the infinite nature of the divine realm and seeks solace and connection beyond the material world. The speaker stands under the vast sky, contemplating eternity and the universe, expressing a desire to be immersed in the profound fullness that lies beyond the physical.
Critical Analysis
The poem explores the theme of longing and the search for meaning and connection, transitioning from the physical to the spiritual realm.
The repeated use of "her" without specific identification allows for multiple interpretations, possibly representing a person, an idea, or an intangible aspect.
The contrast between the speaker's "small" house and the "infinite" mansion of the lord symbolizes the limitations of the physical world in contrast to the expansiveness of the divine.
The imagery of the "golden canopy of thine evening sky" creates a sense of awe and contemplation of the divine presence.
The phrase "brink of eternity" suggests the edge between the finite and the infinite, where the speaker experiences a profound realization.
The use of "no hope, no happiness, no vision of a face seen through tears" conveys a sense of loss and absence that contrasts with the desire for connection and fulfillment.
Themes
- Longing and Loss: The poem explores the theme of yearning and the sense of loss when something cherished is absent or unreachable.
- Spiritual Connection: The poem shifts from the search within the material world to a spiritual quest for connection and meaning beyond the physical realm.
- Transcendence: The poem suggests the idea of transcending the limitations of the material world to find fulfillment and connection with the divine or the infinite.
Attitudes/Feelings
- Desperation and Hope: The poem conveys a sense of desperation in searching for something that seems unattainable, while also expressing hope in finding a deeper connection beyond the physical realm.
- Awe and Wonder: The speaker stands under the vast sky with a sense of awe and wonder, contemplating the infinite nature of the universe.
Literary Devices
- Symbolism: The speaker's search for "her" symbolizes a deeper longing or yearning, possibly representing a spiritual connection or an intangible aspect of life.
- Imagery: The poem uses imagery such as the "golden canopy," "brink of eternity," and the ocean metaphor to evoke vivid mental pictures.
Discussion Question
How does "Brink Of Eternity" by Rabindranath Tagore explore the contrast between the limitations of the physical world and the infinite nature of the spiritual realm? How does the poem convey the speaker's transition from a desperate search for something lost to a deeper yearning for connection and fulfillment beyond the material?