Do not go, my love, without asking
my leave.
I have watched all night, and now
my eyes are heavy with sleep.
I fear lest I lose you when I’m
sleeping.
Do not go, my love, without asking
my leave.
I start up and stretch my hands to
touch you. I ask myself, “Is it a
dream?”
Could I but entangle your feet with
my heart and hold them fast to my
breast!
Do not go, my love, without asking
my leave.
"The Gardener XXXIV: Do Not Go, My Love" by Rabindranath Tagore is a poignant and heartfelt poem that explores themes of separation, longing, and the emotional complexity of love. Through its emotional depth and evocative imagery, the poem captures the intensity of the speaker's emotions as they bid farewell to their beloved.
The poem begins with a plea to the beloved not to depart, creating a sense of urgency and vulnerability. The use of the phrase "my love" emphasizes the strong emotional connection between the speaker and the beloved.
As the poem unfolds, Tagore employs nature imagery to convey the emotions of the speaker. He describes the beloved as the "trembling lightning" and the speaker as the "waiting darkness." This imagery evokes a sense of yearning and anticipation, as well as the idea that the beloved is like a fleeting and electrifying presence.
The poem's language is infused with a sense of melancholy and longing. The speaker's request "do not go" is repeated throughout the poem, reinforcing the theme of separation and the reluctance to part from a loved one.
The poem's structure, consisting of short stanzas, adds to its rhythmic and lyrical quality. The repetition of the phrase "do not go" creates a refrain that underscores the emotional plea and heightens the poem's impact.
"Do Not Go, My Love" captures the universal experience of parting from a loved one and the complex emotions that come with it. Tagore's vivid imagery and emotional language convey the depth of the speaker's feelings, inviting readers to empathize with the sense of longing and attachment expressed in the poem. The poem's timeless themes and evocative imagery make it resonate with anyone who has experienced the ache of separation and the desire to hold onto a cherished connection.
