# XXII explained — Gitanjali

> Chapter companion for Gitanjali by Rabindranath Tagore.

## What happens

In the deep shadows of a rainy July morning, the poet senses the divine presence moving secretly and silently through the deserted streets. He pleads with his beloved not to pass by like a dream, for his house's gates are open.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Pain of Separation and Longing

The poet's urgent plea for the divine not to pass by like a dream reflects deep longing and fear of separation.

### Divine Love and Devotion

The poet addresses the divine as 'my only friend, my best beloved,' expressing intimate devotional love.

## Character check-ins

### The Poet

The speaker who observes the divine presence and opens his house in invitation.

### The Divine

The silent, secret wayfarer walking through the rainy July shadows.

## Key lines

> Oh my only friend, my best beloved, the gates are open in my house⁠—do not pass by like a dream.

You are my sole companion and dearest love; I have opened my home to you—please do not ignore me as if I were merely a fleeting vision.

_The poet's direct appeal to the divine, emphasizing openness and the fear of being overlooked._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters/xxii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gitanjali_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/gitanjali_se/chapters