Reading the beautiful poetry of Indian poet Radindranath Tagore (1861-1941….Thanks, S!) reminded me so much of another favorite [Lebanese] poet of mine: Khalil Gibran (1883-1931)! Contemporaries in age, both were distinguished by their beautiful poetry…and interestingly by their involvement in politics. Though neither would probably have considered themselves politicians…Gibran used to say, “Spare me the political events and power struggles, as the whole earth is my homeland and all men are my fellow countrymen”…Tagore was a vocal supporter of Indian Nationalism, and Gibran for Syrian Nationalism.
I am reminded so much of a quote by Nelson Mandela, “For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.” I do not believe it is coincidence that after freeing their minds, these poets were involved with movements to free others.
Photo source: a glimpse of freedom