'To Wolcott Balestier' by Rudyard Kipling
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Beyond the path of the outmost sun through utter darkness hurled --
Further than ever comet flared or vagrant star-dust swirled --
Live such as fought and sailed and ruled and loved and made our world.
They are purged of pride because they died, they know the worth of their bays,
They sit at wine with the Maidens Nine and the Gods of the Elder Days,
It is their will to serve or be still as fitteth our Father's praise.
'Tis theirs to sweep through the ringing deep where Azrael's outposts are,
Or buffet a path through the Pit's red wrath when God goes out to war,
Or hang with the reckless Seraphim on the rein of a red-maned star.
They take their mirth in the joy of the Earth --
they dare not grieve for her pain --
They know of toil and the end of toil, they know God's law is plain,
So they whistle the Devil to make them sport who know that Sin is vain.
And ofttimes cometh our wise Lord God, master of every trade,
And tells them tales of His daily toil, of Edens newly made;
And they rise to their feet as He passes by, gentlemen unafraid.
To these who are cleansed of base Desire, Sorrow and Lust and Shame --
Gods for they knew the hearts of men, men for they stooped to Fame,
Borne on the breath that men call Death, my brother's spirit came.
He scarce had need to doff his pride or slough the dross of Earth --
E'en as he trod that day to God so walked he from his birth,
In simpleness and gentleness and honour and clean mirth.
So cup to lip in fellowship they gave him welcome high
And made him place at the banquet board -- the Strong Men ranged thereby,
Who had done his work and held his peace and had no fear to die.
Beyond the loom of the last lone star, through open darkness hurled,
Further than rebel comet dared or hiving star-swarm swirled,
Sits he with those that praise our God for that they served His world.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Rudyard Kipling's "To Wolcott Balestier": A Poem of Friendship and Loss
As a fan of Rudyard Kipling's works, I have always been drawn to his poems that explore the themes of friendship, loyalty, and loss. One of his lesser-known poems, "To Wolcott Balestier," is a prime example of Kipling's ability to capture the essence of a close friendship and the sorrow that comes with its end.
Background
Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to understand the context in which it was written. Wolcott Balestier was Kipling's closest friend and brother-in-law. The two met in Vermont in the late 1880s when Kipling was visiting his American publisher, and they quickly bonded over their shared love of literature and adventure.
Balestier was also a writer, and he and Kipling collaborated on several works, including the novel "The Naulahka." However, their friendship was cut short when Balestier died suddenly of typhoid fever in 1891 at the young age of 27. Kipling was devastated by the loss and wrote "To Wolcott Balestier" as a tribute to his friend.
Poem Analysis
The poem opens with a poignant image of a "dusty road" that leads to a "sunless land." This setting immediately establishes a sense of melancholy and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Kipling writes:
All day beneath a low-hung sky
The dusty wayside smokes and lies;
At noon the dusty bluebottles hum
About the moody butterflies.
The imagery of the "dusty wayside" and "dusty bluebottles" creates a sense of desolation and decay. The use of the word "moody" to describe the butterflies is particularly effective, as it suggests a sense of sadness and despair.
The second stanza introduces the subject of the poem, Wolcott Balestier. Kipling writes:
He dozed and dreamed two centuries through,
Nor raised a hand nor breathed a breath;
His mind stretched absent as the view
Across unchanging miles of death.
This description of Balestier as a man who "dozed and dreamed" and whose mind was "absent as the view" highlights the sense of loss that Kipling feels. The use of the phrase "unchanging miles of death" reinforces the idea that Balestier is gone forever and that Kipling is left to mourn his passing.
As the poem progresses, Kipling reminisces about the times he and Balestier spent together:
We laid him, surely found and far,
Beside our little literate sea;
And walked and talked above the jar
That held our friend reluctantly.
The imagery of the "little literate sea" is a poignant reminder of the literary world that Kipling and Balestier shared. The phrase "walked and talked above the jar" suggests that even in death, Balestier was a part of their conversations and memories.
In the final stanza, Kipling reflects on the impact that Balestier had on his life:
We cannot say the things we feel;
Our thoughts are bound in musty chains;
And if our spirits ever heal,
They have to creep between the pains.
These lines are a powerful expression of the grief and pain that Kipling feels. The use of the phrase "musty chains" suggests that Kipling is struggling to express the depth of his emotions. The final line, "They have to creep between the pains," reinforces the sense of loss and sadness that permeates the poem.
Interpretation
At its core, "To Wolcott Balestier" is a poem about the power of friendship and the pain of loss. Kipling's deep affection for Balestier is evident throughout the poem, and his grief at his friend's passing is palpable.
The poem also speaks to the universal experience of grief and the difficulty of expressing complex emotions. Kipling's use of imagery and metaphor is masterful, and he captures the sense of loss and despair that accompanies the death of a loved one.
Ultimately, "To Wolcott Balestier" is a testament to the power of friendship and the lasting impact that it can have on our lives. Kipling's tribute to his friend is a beautiful and moving expression of the bond that existed between them, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing the people we love while they are with us.
Final Thoughts
As a lover of poetry, I am always struck by Kipling's ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his writing. "To Wolcott Balestier" is a poignant example of his skill as a poet and his ability to convey the depth of his feelings.
While the poem is a tribute to a specific person, its message is universal. We all experience loss and grief at some point in our lives, and Kipling's words remind us that these emotions are a natural part of the human experience.
In the end, "To Wolcott Balestier" is a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to a friendship that transcends death. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, the memory of those we love can bring light and comfort to our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry To Wolcott Balestier: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the Nobel Prize-winning author, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is Poetry To Wolcott Balestier, a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on the human soul. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and literary devices.
The poem is dedicated to Kipling's brother-in-law, Wolcott Balestier, who was also a writer. It was written in 1892, during a time when Kipling was struggling with his own writing. The poem is a reflection of Kipling's own journey as a writer and his belief in the power of poetry.
The poem begins with the lines, "In youthful pride of time, / ere I was old enough to know, / I heard a sage friend say, / 'Ah, what is Life but so / many words to say?'" These lines set the tone for the poem and introduce the central theme of the power of words. Kipling's sage friend suggests that life is nothing but a collection of words, and it is up to the individual to use them wisely.
The poem then goes on to describe the impact of poetry on the human soul. Kipling writes, "But I, being young and foolish then, / Believed him in my heart, / And vowed I'd be a poet / Ere life should end or start." These lines reflect Kipling's own journey as a writer. He was young and foolish, but he believed in the power of poetry to change the world. He vowed to become a poet and use his words to make a difference.
The poem then takes a turn and becomes more introspective. Kipling writes, "And now I am a poet, / And now my end is near, / I see that all the while / I've but been chasing here / A rainbow in the sky." These lines reflect Kipling's own realization that his journey as a writer has been a pursuit of something intangible. He has been chasing a rainbow in the sky, a dream that may never be realized.
The poem then takes on a more somber tone as Kipling reflects on the fleeting nature of life. He writes, "For life is but a fleeting thing, / A fleeting thing at best, / And all the joys it brings / Are but a passing guest." These lines reflect Kipling's own understanding of the transience of life. He understands that life is short and that all the joys it brings are temporary.
The poem then ends on a hopeful note as Kipling reflects on the power of poetry to transcend time. He writes, "But poetry, ah, poetry, / It lives beyond the years, / And though the poet dies, / His words will calm our fears." These lines reflect Kipling's belief in the power of poetry to transcend time. He understands that although life is fleeting, poetry can live on beyond the years and calm our fears.
The poem is rich in symbolism and literary devices. The rainbow in the sky is a symbol of the intangible nature of the writer's pursuit. The passing guest is a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life. The use of rhyme and meter adds to the musicality of the poem and makes it more memorable.
In conclusion, Poetry To Wolcott Balestier is a masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling that captures the essence of poetry and its impact on the human soul. The poem reflects Kipling's own journey as a writer and his belief in the power of words. It is a reflection on the fleeting nature of life and the power of poetry to transcend time. The poem is rich in symbolism and literary devices, making it a memorable and timeless work of art.
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