A Lover's Journey

By Rudyard Kipling

When a lover hies abroad Looking for his love, Azrael smiling sheathes his sword, Heaven smiles above. Earth and sea His servants be, And to lesser compass round, That his love be sooner found!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a romantic ode to the power of love and its ability to transform one's world. The speaker employs the theme of a lover's quest, a common trope in romantic literature, to depict the protagonist's search for his beloved. This quest, however, has a spiritual dimension, as suggested by the mention of Azrael, the Angel of Death in some religious traditions. The poet suggests that love has the power to suspend even the inevitability of death, a powerful testament to its transformative potential.

The tone of the poem is optimistic and celebratory, highlighting the benevolent power of love. Despite the reference to Azrael, the mood is far from morbid. Instead, the poem suggests a world temporarily freed from death's shadow by the power of love. The structure is simple and direct, following a clear rhyming scheme, which enhances the poem's lyrical quality and accessibility. The poet uses personification, representing both the earth and sea as the lover's 'servants', to further emphasise the encompassing, all-powerful nature of love. The poem concludes with a hopeful note, suggesting the lover's journey will soon end with the discovery of his love. This sense of completion and fulfilment further underscores the poem's overall theme: the redemptive, life-affirming power of love.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.


Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.