That I Want Thee, Only Thee by Rabindranath Tagore (Text & Summary)

 

That I Want Thee, Only Thee

by Rabindranath Tagore

(Text & Summary) 

In this poem, Tagore expresses his religious thoughts in terms of Nature and her elements. The poet as beloved, cries for union with God and says that all worldly ties are false and useless. His only true desire is to be one with God and his heart repeatedly cries this out.

 

That I Want Thee, Only Thee

That I want thee, only thee ⎯ let my heart repeat without end. All desires that distract me, day and night, are false and empty to the core.

As the night keeps hidden in its gloom the petition for light, even thus in the depth of my unconsciousness rings the cry ⎯ I want thee, only thee.

As the storm still seeks its end in peace when it strikes against peace with all its might, even thus my rebellion strikes against thy love and still its cry is ⎯ I want thee, only thee.

 

This is the Gitanjali Poem no. 38. In this poem, Tagore expresses his desire to find union with God in terms of the beloved and the lover. He says, that his heart should repeatedly say that he wants to be with God. He says that all the worldly attachments and longings that distract him from God are useless and valueless. His prayer and his petition to God for a union remains deep within his heart as the night keeps its longings for light hidden in its darkness.

The poet says, that as the storm and rain seem to disturb the peace of the atmosphere, but finally leaves it calm and full of peace so does the poet's rebellion against God and his love hide his inner longing for God's love and a union with God.