The Recall

by Rabindranath Tagore


The night was dark when she went away, and they slept.

The night is dark now, and I call for her,
"Come back, my darling; the world is asleep,
and no one would know if you came for a moment
while stars are gazing at stars."

She went away when the trees were in bud
and the spring was young.

Now the flowers are in high bloom and I call,
"Come back, my darling. The children gather
and scatter flowers in reckless sport.
And if you come and take the little blossom
no one will miss it."

Those that used to play are playing still,
so spendthrift is life.

I listen to their chatter and call,
"Come back, my darling, for mother's heart
is full to the brim with love,
and if you come to snatch only one little
kiss from her no one will grudge it."