Song of the Flower - Khalil/Kahlil Gibran | BOSEM English Literature Reader Class X

 Board of Secondary Education Manipur (BOSEM)
Class - 10
English Literature Reader (Poetry)
Chapter - 4

Song of the Flower

Kahlil Gibran

Summary/Substance of the Poem

The poem opens with the speaker clarifying that it is not being told from a human perspective. Initially, the identity of the speaker remains a mystery if one disregards the title. However, as the poem progresses, it provides ample context to lead the reader to the correct conclusion. Ultimately, the speaker is portraying the voice of a flower.

The initial stanzas depict the active and beneficial nature of flowers. It highlights how they release their fragrances, contributing to the beauty of the world and joining the birds in heralding the arrival of sunrise.

The latter part of the poem delves into the various uses of flowers for different occasions. The speaker emphasises that "I am..." utilized in a variety of contexts, ranging from objects and events to the living and the departed.

In the concluding lines, the speaker, embodying the perspective of the flower, expresses the belief that humanity should seek guidance from flowers on embracing the world with optimism.

Stanza-wise Analysis of the Poem 

I am a kind word uttered and repeated
By the voice of Nature;
I am a star fallen from the
Blue tent upon the green carpet.
I am the daughter of the elements
With whom Winter conceived;
To whom Spring gave birth; I was
Reared in the lap of Summer and I
Slept in the bed of Autumn.

In the initial stanza of this piece, the speaker commences by portraying herself (daughter) not as a specific type of person, but as a embodiment of a kind word that is echoed by the voice of nature. This portrayal creates a sense of mystery about the nature of the speaker, who is depicted as a force produced by nature, representing the epitome of nature’s goodness experienced by anyone who enters a natural setting. This kind force, embodied by the speaker, is repeatedly echoed by nature and diffused throughout the world.

Subsequently, the following lines present a second representation of the speaker. They are described as a moment, similar to a fallen star that has landed "upon the green carpet." This depiction aligns with the earlier portrayal, as it also conveys beauty, power, and intangibility.

In the subsequent "I am" statement, the speaker is likened to "the daughter" conceived by "the elements." The subsequent lines progressively illustrate the birth of this speaker, expressing that the force was "Reared" by "Summer" and slept in the bed of Autumn. This enigmatic being, undefined in any concrete manner except for its association with nature, appears to have originated from time itself. It has been nurtured by the natural changes of the world, shaping it into the being it is today.

At dawn I unite with the breeze

To announce the coming of light;

At eventide I join the birds

In bidding the light farewell.

In the second stanza of ‘Song of the Flower’, the speaker delves into more detail about the life of the flower in just four lines. At the start of the day, the flower "unites with the breeze," playing a role in ushering in the day and signalling the retreat of darkness while heralding the coming of light. These lines evoke various symbols associated with the beginning of a new day, such as the sound of birds and the increasing warmth of the air. This description helps the reader to better understand that the speaker is referring to the characteristics of a flower. Additionally, the speaker describes how in the evening, at "eventide," the flower "joins" the birds in bidding farewell to the light.

The plains are decorated with

My beautiful colours, and the air

Is scented with my fragrance.

In the third stanza, spanning just three lines, the descriptions persist and broaden to illustrate how the speaker, likened to a flower or flowers, extends across the plain. The speaker's essence is depicted as adorning the "plains" of the world and can be perceived in the air. The pervasive "fragrance" of flowers permeates the surroundings.

As I embrace Slumber the eyes of

Night watch over me, and as I

Awaken I stare at the sun, which is

The only eye of the day.

The fourth stanza discusses how the essence of the flower is guarded by "Night" as it sleeps, and when the day arrives, it gazes at the sun.

I drink dew for wine, and hearken to

The voices of the birds, and dance

To the rhythmic swaying of the grass.

In the following three lines of 'Song of the Flower', the poem starts to reach its culmination. The speaker further elaborates on the flower's existence, mentioning that it "drink dew for wine" and is attracted to the "voices of the birds." These details paint a vivid picture of the flower's life. The poet skilfully personifies the life of flowers in a sophisticated and graceful manner, portraying them as unaffected by the inherent darkness of the world. Instead, they inhabit a realm of light and tranquillity.

I am the lover’s gift; I am the wedding wreath;

I am the memory of a moment of happiness;

I am the last gift of the living to the dead;

I am a part of joy and a part of sorrow.

In the sixth stanza, the poet employs repetition to emphasise the defining characteristics of the flower's life. Through four "I am" statements, the poet vividly portrays the essence of the flower, enabling readers to grasp the nature being described, even without knowledge of the poem's title.

The speaker conveys that the flower, like a "gift" from a "lover" and an element of the "wedding wreath," embodies the "memory of a moment of happiness." This illustrates the multifaceted significance of the flower, which can serve as a memento of joyful occasions and also as a tribute to the departed. The versatile symbolism of flowers encompasses a wide spectrum of emotions and events.

Furthermore, the stanza concludes with the assertion that the flower is "part of joy and a part of sorrow." This underscores the duality of the flower's existence, as it remains intertwined with both moments of happiness and instances of sadness. Even when touched by death, the flower's luminous life persists, coexisting with more sombre experiences.

But I look up high to see only the light,

And never look down to see my shadow.

This is wisdom which man must learn.

In the last part of the poem, the speaker emphasises that a flower only perceives "the light" and never observes its own shadow because of its form. The final line adds a profound significance to the entire poem as the speaker, speaking from the perspective of a flower, suggests that humans should learn from the flower's wisdom. The message is that one should always remain optimistic and never look down.

Solved Textual Exercises

I. Answer each of the following questions in a sentence each.

1. What becomes of the star when it falls from the blue tent of the sky?

Ans.: - The star transforms into a flower as it descends from blue tent of the sky.

2. Who conceived the flower?

Ans.: - The flower is conceived by winter.

3. What does the flower do at eventide?

Ans.: - At eventide, the flower says goodbye to the sun just like the birds.

4. What watches over the flower when she embraces slumber?

Ans.: - The flower is watched over by the eyes of night as she embraces slumber.

5. What does the flower do with the rhythmic swaying of the grass?

Ans.: - The flower starts to dance with the rhythmic movement of the grass..

6. Why does the flower look up so high?

Ans.: - The flower looks up so high to see only the light.

II. Answer the following questions briefly.

1. The poet compares the flower with a kind word. Bring out the appropriateness of the comparison.

Ans.: - A kind word has the power to bring us comfort and peace. It also has the ability to fill us with joy, happiness, and excitement. Similarly, the sight of flowers can uplift our spirits and bring cheer by refreshing our minds.

2. "I am a star fallen from the blue tent upon the green carpet." Explain why the flower says so.

Ans.: - The Earth adorned with a variety of flower colours becomes more enchanting and appealing. As night falls, the flowers descend from their trees and scatter across the Earth's surface, resembling stars cascading from the heavens. Thus, the flower expresses this sentiment.

3. Why does the flower say that it is the daughter of the elements?

Ans.: - The flower claims to be the offspring of the elements, as it has been formed by the combination of nature, fire, earth, air, and water.

4. How is the flower 'winter conceived'?

Ans.: - The flower develops during winter and prepares for a new beginning, blossoming into a new bud during the spring season. Hence, it is winter conceived.

5. What does the flower do at dawn?

Ans.: - At the break of day, the flower merges with the gentle morning breeze, heralding the arrival of light on the earth.

6. "I drink dew for wine, and harkens to the voices of the birds." Explain.

Ans.: - In Kahlil Gibran's "The Song of the Flower," the line "I drink dew for wine, and harken to the voices of the birds" conveys the flower's deep connection with nature. By "drinking dew for wine," the flower symbolises finding joy and sustenance in the simple pleasures of life, much like how humans enjoy wine. Additionally, "harkening to the voices of the birds" illustrates the flower's attentiveness to the natural world around it, emphasising its harmonious relationship with the environment and its ability to find beauty and inspiration in the sounds of nature. This line captures the flower's profound appreciation for the elements of its surroundings, portraying a sense of contentment and mindfulness.

7. "I am the memory of a moment of happiness." Explain.

Ans.: - In Kahlil Gibran's "The Song of the Flower," the line "I am a moment of happiness"  suggests that the flower serves as a reminder to appreciate and savour the fleeting instances of joy, emphasising the importance of finding happiness in the present moment and recognising the beauty in transient experiences.

8. What should man learn from the flower?

Ans.: - The flower teaches us the importance of maintaining an optimistic outlook rather than succumbing to pessimism. It reminds us to stand tall in the face of life's challenges and to always strive for positivity.