Song of the road by R.Tagore translated by Ranu
‘Song Of The Road’
You are a traveller, you are the friend of travellers,
travelling shows them the path that leads to you.
On the journey when the traveller sings a happy song
he sings your song in his voice.
He does not want to look behind,
does not row the boat from shore to shore__
the storm beckons him to the boundless sea
his heart feels your breeze.
only by travelling he can find you.
Traveller ,you are the friend of travellers,
one who loves you will row your boat.
When he opens the door to look in the front
he is looking only to find you.
He doesn’t think of obstacles or disaster,
he does not hope to gain anything,
his mind is anxious to leave__
because he wants to go to you.
only by travelling he can find you.
Down the Road (song) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Sabethville 
Travelling just expresses everything about seeking and discovery, a profound message told simply and beautifully, friend this is a very neat translation.
Thank you Dar Sahib( Can I address you as Akhtar Bhai)? I was getting confused in a few
places. Tagore’s poems can be a bit tricky.I am glad I was able to complete it. There is one other I posted today.
The title is ‘Song Of The Road,’Kindly let me know your impression about this one.
As always thanks so much for taking the time to read my translations.
Oh sorry Dar Sahib,you have already written your comment for song of the road.I was thinking about the Passenger.
All the best to you.
regards,
Chaman
Dear Ranu,
Thank you very much for this lovely poem. I love the subject…traveling.
I love this line:
“On the journey when the traveller sings a happy song he sings your song in his voice.”
All good wishes,
robert
It is quite an interesting poem. Tagore confused me a bit when he used words that are not common.
But when I read the poem I figured it out.I am glad you liked it.Thanks Robert.
All the best.
Ranu
Again, I must come back although this one I’ve read several times. I can see why you may put this together with others of some similar themes…
I am taking the liberty of putting in the word ‘you’ in the line….
“He does not want to look behind” into he does not want you to look behind…
and maybe or maybe add ‘you’ also to the next line…?
I want to see if I can find various points of view in this poem & if they might all work for me?
The traveler as some aspect of the divine? or a guide? or a fellow? or someone also searching for a twin heart or soul mate? or an inner muse guiding the creative intuitive inner Self or self?
What a great discussion this poem might make for a cosy winter night around a little fire with tea and like-minded lovers of poetry, travel & especially Tagore…
and perhaps your delicious south asian vegetarian “finger food” like samozas & baklava?
You are right,I thought the same.My daughter felt it could mean something entirely
different for others.So far it seems you and I are on the same page.
Perhaps this ability to convey the options for various perspectives in one….so naturally….is what has brought such universal reach to Tagore’s work or that of any great poet?
I agree with you.Thank you,Connie
Ranu
Ranu,
Bihar Bangla Academy is publishing a book – Remembering his footfalls here; pictorial biography and Bihar connections of Tagore in three languages. Writer of the book is Dr. (Capt.) D.K.Sinha. On his behalf I ask you, can we use your translation ‘Song of the road’ in that book?
I’d feel honoured if they ask me. Thank you Bidyut.
Yes Bidyut you certainly can. I’d love to see the book as well. Thank you. 🙂