"The Old Servant" by Rabindranath Tagore

This poem was published in Bengali, titled "Puratan Bhritya" on 25th February, 1895. Since then many have attempted to "transcreate" English translations of the same. Unfortunately, the prose renderings totally miss out on Tagore's meter and rhyme. Ergo, the non-Bengali reader has failed to grasp Tagore's satirical digs at the then prevailing abusive practices of Calcutta's elite society.

For the first time this translation offers the English reader the true beat, just as Tagore had intended. Enjoy!

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Entertainment

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• English
• poem
• by
• Rabindranath
• Tagore

[dips7246]

Oh...I cried..

[Supe2U]

@dips7246 Thanks for appreciating my effort.

[arnablahiri]

Tagore was so touched with this that he decided to dedicate this poem for his poor servant.

Any guess if Tagore asked his servant to resume his job??

[arnablahiri]

Assadharon hoiche..

Do you know the story behind this poem? When Tagore was in Shelaidaha he was pissed off with his servant. Many of us may not believe or know but its a truth that Tagore was little arrogant.

One day his servant didn't turned up for work. Next day Tagore decided to terminate his service. The old servant came next day and he arranged for everything for the master even knowing that his job is no more. Before bidding adieu he said his daughter expired yesterday so he was late..