The Love Song of Har Dyal
By Rudyard Kipling
Alone upon the housetops to the North
I turn and watch the lightning in the sky —
The glamour of thy footsteps in the North.
Come back to me, Beloved, or I die.
Below my feet the still bazar is laid —
Far, far below the weary camels lie —
The camels and the captives of thy raid.
Come back to me, Beloved, or I die!
My father's wife is old and harsh with years,
And drudge of all my father's house am I —
My bread is sorrow and my drink is tears.
Come back to me. Beloved, or I die!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling's "The Love Song of Har Dyal" is a poignant exploration of longing, loss, and the enduring power of love. Through its evocative imagery and emotive language, the poem delves into the depths of human emotion and the yearning for connection across distance and time. Let's delve deeper into the poem's themes, imagery, and underlying messages.
Longing and Desperation
At the heart of "The Love Song of Har Dyal" is the profound sense of longing and desperation experienced by the speaker. The repetition of the refrain "Come back to me, Beloved, or I die" emphasizes the intensity of the speaker's yearning for their beloved. This desperate plea conveys a deep emotional vulnerability and highlights the profound impact of separation on the human psyche. The speaker's anguish is palpable, as they express a willingness to endure any hardship if only their beloved would return to them.
Evocative Imagery
Kipling's use of vivid imagery enhances the emotional impact of the poem, painting a rich and immersive picture of the speaker's surroundings. The opening lines evoke a sense of solitude and isolation as the speaker stands alone upon the housetops, watching the lightning in the sky. The imagery of the still bazaar below, with weary camels and captives of raids, serves as a stark contrast to the speaker's inner turmoil, emphasizing the stark reality of their situation.
Social and Personal Struggles
Embedded within the poem is a commentary on the social and personal struggles faced by the speaker. The mention of the speaker's father's wife being "old and harsh with years" and the speaker's role as a drudge in their father's house hint at familial conflict and domestic hardship. The speaker's description of their bread as sorrow and their drink as tears underscores the pervasive sense of suffering and despair that permeates their life. This juxtaposition of personal and societal struggles adds depth to the poem, highlighting the intersection of individual longing with broader social realities.
"The Love Song of Har Dyal" by Rudyard Kipling is a powerful exploration of love, longing, and desperation. Through its emotive language, evocative imagery, and poignant themes, the poem captures the profound emotional impact of separation and the enduring power of love to transcend distance and adversity. Kipling's verses serve as a testament to the universal human experience of yearning for connection and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of hardship. Ultimately, "The Love Song of Har Dyal" invites readers to empathize with the speaker's plight and contemplate the transformative power of love in overcoming life's trials and tribulations.
