Love (Poem by Kahlil Gibran)

Love

By Kahlil Gibran

They say the jackal and the mole

Drink from the self-same stream

Where the lion comes to drink.

And they say the eagle and the vulture

Dig their beaks into the same carcass,

And are at peace, one with the other,

In the presence of the dead thing.

O love, whose lordly hand

Has bridled my desires,

And raised my hunger and my thirst

To dignity and pride,

Let not the strong in me and the constant

Eat the bread or drink the wine

That tempt my weaker self.

Let me rather starve,

And let my heart parch with thirst,

And let me die and perish,

Ere I stretch my hand

To a cup you did not fill,

Or a bowl you did not bless.

Poem Analysis:

Kahlil Gibran, a renowned Lebanese-American poet, philosopher, and writer, is celebrated for his profound and spiritually infused poetry. In his poem "Love," Gibran delves into the complexities of human desire and the inner conflict between the noble and base aspects of one's self. This analysis explores the poem's themes, symbolism, and the depth of its philosophical reflection.

Structure and Form:

"Love" is a free-verse poem without a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This form allows Gibran to convey his thoughts and emotions freely, unbound by the constraints of traditional poetic structure.

Themes:

1. Conflict Within the Self: The central theme of the poem revolves around the inner conflict within the self. Gibran portrays this conflict through the metaphor of animals and their primal instincts. The jackal and the mole, the lion, the eagle, and the vulture represent different facets of human nature. The conflict between these aspects is a recurring theme in Gibran's work.
2. Self-Control and Mastery: The poem addresses the concept of self-control and mastery over one's desires. The speaker acknowledges that love, symbolized as a lordly hand, has bridled their desires. This suggests that love has the power to elevate and refine human instincts, steering them away from the base and toward the noble.
3. Spiritual Aspects of Love: Gibran's poem underscores the spiritual dimensions of love. Love, in this context, is not just a romantic or interpersonal emotion but a force that guides one's actions and choices. It is portrayed as a transformative and enlightening power that brings dignity and pride.
4. Sacrifice and Self-Denial: The speaker expresses a willingness to endure hardship, starvation, and death rather than succumb to base desires. This theme reflects the idea that true love requires sacrifice and self-denial. It implies that one should resist temptations that compromise one's moral and spiritual integrity.

Symbolism:

1. Jackal and Mole: The jackal and the mole represent base instincts and desires, suggesting the darker aspects of human nature. Drinking from the same stream illustrates the shared primal nature of these instincts.
2. Lion: The lion represents strength and primal power. Its presence at the same stream as the jackal and mole symbolizes the coexistence of strength and weakness within the self.
3. Eagle and Vulture: The eagle and vulture are scavengers, often associated with death. Their shared feast on a carcass signifies the inevitability of death and the unifying force of mortality.
4. Bread and Wine: The bread and wine symbolize sustenance and indulgence, often linked to earthly desires and pleasures. The speaker expresses a desire to abstain from these pleasures in the pursuit of a higher love.

Philosophical Depth:

Gibran's "Love" transcends the exploration of human desires and instincts; it delves into the philosophical realm of self-mastery and transcendence. The poem suggests that true love involves discipline and sacrifice, as well as a profound understanding of one's own nature.

The speaker's willingness to endure starvation, thirst, and death rather than succumb to base desires reflects a commitment to spiritual growth and moral integrity. Gibran emphasizes the transformative power of love, which elevates human desires and guides them toward a nobler path.

In conclusion, Kahlil Gibran's "Love" is a concise yet profound reflection on the inner conflict within the self and the spiritual dimensions of love. Through rich symbolism and philosophical depth, Gibran invites readers to contemplate the nature of desire, self-control, and the pursuit of a love that transcends the mundane and embraces the spiritual.