Meaning: The quote "So, my sweetheart back home writes to me and wants to know what this gal in Bombay's got that she hasn't got. So I just write back to her and says, Nothin', honey. Only she's got it here." by Alvah Bessie captures the essence of longing and desire. It illustrates the universal experience of feeling drawn to someone who is physically distant, and the internal conflict that arises when comparing two separate relationships.

The quote suggests the idea of unattainability and the allure of the unfamiliar. The speaker's sweetheart is questioning the qualities of another woman in Bombay, perhaps feeling insecure or curious about the attention she is receiving. The response, "Nothin', honey. Only she's got it here," conveys a sense of wistfulness and acknowledgment that the other woman possesses something intangible that cannot be replicated or substituted.

Alvah Bessie, the author of the quote, was an American playwright, screenwriter, and novelist known for his involvement in the Hollywood Ten, a group of screenwriters and directors who were cited for contempt of Congress and blacklisted for their refusal to cooperate with the House Un-American Activities Committee during the Red Scare of the 1940s and 1950s.

The quote reflects the complexity of human emotions and relationships. It speaks to the universal experience of longing for something or someone out of reach, as well as the difficulty of articulating the reasons behind such feelings. The use of colloquial language and the reference to specific locations like "Bombay" create a sense of intimacy and personal connection within the quote.

The juxtaposition of the "sweetheart back home" and the "gal in Bombay" highlights the tension between familiarity and novelty, stability and adventure. It touches on the notion of comparing and contrasting different romantic interests, and the realization that each person brings their own unique qualities and appeal.

In a broader context, the quote can be interpreted as a reflection on the human tendency to idealize or romanticize individuals who are geographically distant or culturally different. It raises questions about the nature of attraction and the emotional complexities that arise when navigating multiple relationships or connections across physical or emotional distance.

Overall, Alvah Bessie's quote captures the bittersweet nature of desire and the enigmatic qualities that draw us to others. It invites introspection and contemplation on the intricacies of human connection, longing, and the elusive nature of what we seek in others.