Possible Reasons:
* Nostalgia and Longing: The poem expresses longing for a beloved homeland and the pains of being away. Rizal was often away from the Philippines during his studies and travels, and "The Song of the Traveler" could be his personal expression of these feelings.
* Observation of Filipino Identity: The poem touches on the theme of a fragmented national identity, possibly reflecting Rizal's observations of the Filipino people's struggles under Spanish rule.
* The Importance of Travel: The poem celebrates the act of traveling and the valuable knowledge it brings. Rizal, a keen observer and a believer in education, likely saw travel as a crucial tool for personal growth and understanding the world.
* A Call to Action: While subtle, the poem carries a sense of urgency. The traveler's journey and his observations could be interpreted as a call for the Filipinos to awaken to their own situation and take action.
* Artistic Expression: Like any artist, Rizal could have simply been motivated by the desire to express his emotions, thoughts, and observations through poetry.
Context:
It's important to note that "The Song of the Traveler" was written in 1882, just a few years before Rizal published his seminal novel *Noli Me Tangere*. During this period, Rizal was actively engaging with the socio-political issues of his time, and his writings often served as vehicles for social commentary and criticism.
In Conclusion:
While we can't definitively say why Rizal wrote "The Song of the Traveler," the poem likely reflects a combination of personal experiences, observations, and his growing desire to advocate for social change. It's a powerful piece of writing that speaks to the universal experience of longing, the importance of observation and knowledge, and the potential for transformation through travel.