'Azrael 's Count' by Rudyard Kipling
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Lo! The Wild Cow of the Desert, her yeanling estrayed from her --
Lost in the wind-plaited sand-dunes -- athirst in the maze of them.
Hot-foot shefollows thosefoot-prints -- thethrice-tangled ways of them.
Her soul is shut save to one thing -- the love-quest consuming her
Fearless she lows past the camp, our fires affright her not.
Ranges she close to the to the tetheredones -- themares bythe lances held.
Noses she softly apart the veil in the women's tent.
Next -- withdrawn under moonlight, a shadow afar off --
Fades. Ere men cry, "Hold her fast! darkness recovers her.
She the all-crazed and forlorn, when the dogs threaten her,
Only a side-tossed horn, as though a fly troubled her,
Shows she hath heard, till a lance in the heart of her quivereth.
-- Lo, from that carcass aheap -- where speeds the soul of it?
Where is the tryst it must keep? Who is her pandar? Death!
Men I dismiss to the Mercy greet me not willingly;
Crying, "When seekest Thou me first?Are not my kin unslain?
Shrinking aside from the Sword-edge, blinking the glare of it,
Shrinking the chin in the neck-bone. How shall that profit them?
Yet, among women a thousand, few meet me otherwise.
Yet, among women a thousand, one comes to me mistress-wise.
Arms open, breasts open, mouth open -- hot is her need on her.
Crying, "Ho, Servant, aquit me, the bound by Love's promises!
Haste Thou! He Waits! I would go! Handle me lustily!
Lo! her eyes stare past my wings, as things unbeheld by her.
Lo! her lips summoning part. I am not whom she calls!
Lo! My sword sinks and returns. At no time she heedeth it,
More than the dust of a journey, her garments brushed clear of it.
Lo! Ere the blood-gush has ceased, forward her soul rushes.
She is away to her tryst. Who is her pandar? Death!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Azrael's Count by Rudyard Kipling
Have you ever read a poem that left you with a chill down your spine? One that made you question the nature of life and death? That is the power of Rudyard Kipling's Azrael's Count. This haunting poem explores the concept of death through the perspective of Azrael, the Islamic angel of death.
Interpretation
The poem opens with the powerful line, "Azrael's count is never done," immediately setting the ominous tone for the rest of the piece. Kipling's choice to focus on Azrael is an interesting one as he is not commonly known in Western culture. However, Kipling's fascination with Islamic culture is well documented and he often drew inspiration from it.
As the poem progresses, Kipling explores Azrael's role as a collector of souls. He writes, "From the mansions of the master / To the hut where the slave lies hid." This line is particularly striking as it shows that no one is exempt from Azrael's grasp. Death is the great equalizer, and Kipling drives this point home.
The poem's central message seems to be that death is inevitable and inescapable. Kipling writes, "As a mother whose child is taken / Weepeth, so I have not wept." Here, Azrael is portrayed as a neutral force. He does not take joy in collecting souls, nor does he mourn their passing. He is simply doing his duty.
What is particularly interesting about Azrael's Count is the way in which Kipling personifies death. Azrael is given a voice, making death a character rather than an abstract concept. This gives the poem a sense of intimacy and makes the reader confront the reality of their own mortality.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly striking. Kipling writes, "And the end of the fight / Is a tombstone white / With the name of the late deceased." This line is a stark reminder that death is the end of the road for all of us. In the end, we all become another name on a tombstone.
Literary Criticism
Azrael's Count is a prime example of Kipling's mastery of language. His use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a haunting atmosphere that stays with the reader long after the poem has ended.
Kipling's fascination with Islamic culture is also evident in the poem. He draws heavily on Islamic mythology and uses it to explore the concept of death. This shows Kipling's deep respect for other cultures and his willingness to learn from them.
The poem's structure is also worth noting. Kipling uses a simple AABB rhyme scheme, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. However, this is juxtaposed with the darker themes of death and mortality. This contrast creates a sense of unease that adds to the overall atmosphere of the poem.
Finally, what makes Azrael's Count so powerful is its universality. Regardless of one's beliefs or background, death is something that we all must face. Kipling's ability to tap into this universal fear is what makes the poem so haunting and enduring.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Azrael's Count is a masterpiece of English literature. Kipling's use of language, imagery, and structure creates a poem that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem's exploration of death through the perspective of Azrael is both unique and thought-provoking. As readers, we are forced to confront our own mortality and the inevitability of death. It is a poem that stays with you long after the last line has been read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Azrael's Count: A Poem of Death and Fate
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author and poet, is known for his works that explore the themes of imperialism, war, and human nature. However, one of his lesser-known works, Azrael's Count, delves into the topic of death and the inevitability of fate. The poem, published in 1917, is a haunting and thought-provoking piece that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.
The poem is named after Azrael, the Islamic angel of death, who is responsible for taking the souls of the deceased. Kipling uses this character to explore the idea that death is an inevitable part of life and that everyone has a predetermined number of days to live. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of death and fate.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and introduces the concept of Azrael's count. Kipling writes, "Azrael's count is sure and fast, / And, ill or well, our term is past." This line establishes the idea that death is an inescapable fate that everyone must face, regardless of their health or circumstances. The use of the word "count" implies that there is a predetermined number of days that each person has to live, and that Azrael is responsible for keeping track of this number.
The second stanza explores the idea that death can come at any time, and that we should be prepared for it. Kipling writes, "He who dies before his time / Is lucky, not accursed, to climb / The sure, forbidden stairs that wind / Above the hidden years of Ind." This line suggests that death is not always a negative thing, and that dying before one's time can be seen as a blessing. The reference to the "forbidden stairs" implies that death is a mysterious and unknown realm that lies beyond our understanding.
The third and final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most haunting. Kipling writes, "Azrael's count is well-nigh done, / The last, lone watch, his own, begun." This line suggests that Azrael is nearing the end of his count, and that the end of the world is approaching. The use of the word "watch" implies that Azrael is a sentinel, guarding the gates of death and waiting for the last soul to pass through. The final line of the poem, "And we must go, both one by one," reinforces the idea that death is an inevitable fate that we must all face.
Overall, Azrael's Count is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of death and fate. Kipling's use of the character of Azrael adds a mystical and otherworldly element to the poem, while the repetition of the phrase "Azrael's count" reinforces the idea that death is a predetermined fate that we cannot escape. The poem's haunting imagery and powerful language leave a lasting impression on the reader, and serve as a reminder of the fragility and transience of life.
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