At Rabindranath Tagor Museum - By Chula Kumuduni Abeygunawardane

Written By: Chula Kumuduni Abeygunawardane

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Chula Kumuduni Abeygunawardane presents "At Rabindranath Tagor Museum," a poignant piece entered in the Poetry category of the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This introspective work takes readers on a reflective journey through the corridors of the Rabindranath Tagore Museum, capturing the essence of the revered poet's enduring influence. Through evocative imagery and profound musings, Chula pays homage to Tagore's timeless wisdom and creative spirit.

About the Work

In "At Rabindranath Tagor Museum," Chula crafts a contemplative narrative that resonates with nostalgia and reverence. The poem is imbued with a sense of timelessness, as it traverses the museum's hallowed halls and encounters Tagore's legacy. The piece eloquently captures the juxtaposition of past and present, weaving a tapestry of memories, reflections, and the enduring power of art and words.

At Rabindranath Tagor Museum

Original Submission by Chula Kumuduni Abeygunawardane

At the museum of Rabindranath Tagore,

I walked along the quiet corridors,

past grand arches and marbled floors,

beneath the spacious balconiesof your winged household.

Your brilliant eyes met mine

from gilded frames —that familiar, knowing smile

still luminous across time.

I remembered your words:

“The same stream of life that runs through my veins runs through the world.” Vibrant melodies seemed to stir the air

songs you once breathed into being,

each a celebration of existence,

of fulfillment in the fleeting moment.

Glanced the letters, portraits of diplomats, Royals, dignitaries countless ..... ! Then, the very cradle where infant you were lulled to sleep

and the grand bedstead beside,

covered in sumptuous, silk embroidered, elegant bedspread. Again your voice returns:

“Let your life lightly dance on the edges of Time like dew on the tip of a leaf.” Then — the Nobel Medal among other curios!

A gleaming replica where the stolen genuine had once rested. Perhaps it has returned to dust,

yet your words have learned to live without it.

More portraits followed —a different you:

frail, drawn, with wrinkles etched upon your noble forehead by numbered days. With a bewildered heart, heavy though,

I turned to leave, scribbling in haste -

upon a bus ticket, (in stealth under prohibition ) these solemn words:

“Thy days are ended.”

But let me say to Him, My Creator — “I have lived in love and not in mere time.” He will ask, “Will thy songs remain?”

And I shall answer:

“I know not — but this I know:

Often when I sang, I found my eternity.”

At the grand entrance,

I met a poor little girl selling roses,

with rich beaming smile,

Eyeing radiantly at coins offered,

raised her hands towards you

in silent worship and earnest veneration.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar invites writers from around the world to share their unique voices and creative expressions. This esteemed competition celebrates diverse literary talents and encourages participants to explore themes that resonate on a global scale, fostering a vibrant community of writers and poets.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Chula Kumuduni Abeygunawardane for sharing "At Rabindranath Tagor Museum" with us. Your contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches the tapestry of voices celebrating the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore. Thank you for your evocative and thought-provoking work.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.