Death, the last embrace

On the throes of death, the poet finds death neither alien nor frightening. Death is that lover he knew all along in life, coming again in yet another form. Death is his beloved with whom he longs to be united in a final embrace.

Going alone, he seeks strength to make it through this arduous last journey to unite with his beloved, who waits for him at the journey's end to walk hand in hand into the nameless infinite.

Tagore, on his death bed

Poem: Maron Re Tuhu Mamo 

O Death, you are my dark beloved
Robed in dark clouds, dreadlocks of dark gray
Blood red palms and blood stained lips
Soothe this feverish body on your compassionate lap 
Grant me the elixir of death
You are my beloved

My heart burns with pain and restlessness
Tears stream down my brimming eyes 
You are my soulmate, you are my friend, cool my burning brow
O Death, come, O come now ..

Call me, take me into your arms
Close my eyes, wipe my tears with your calming hand 
Let me weep and weep on your chest 
Till sleep engulfs my whole body

You will never forget me, never let me go 
You will never break my loving heart
Heart to heart we will be forever. 
There is nothing like your lingering kiss.

The sky is overcast, the earth is engulfed in darkness 
Lightning flashing under the terrifying sound of thunder 
Tall trees in the forest shaking in fear 
The deserted road seems terrifying 

Yet, alone I must go, to meet you
You my beloved, 
Your love clouds my mind 
All my fears will turn into fortitude
To show me the way towards you 

To meet my consort who is beyond death
O Death, you are my dark beloved

Beyond the bounds of life and death, 
There you stand, Oh, my friend! - Tagore