A Translation

By Rudyard Kipling

Lyric Poem
There are whose study is of smells, And to attentive schools rehearse How something mixed with something else Makes something worse. Some cultivate in broths impure The clients of our body, these, Increasing without Venus, cure, Or cause, disease. Others the heated wheel extol, And all its offspring, whose concern Is how to make it farthest roll And fastest turn. Me, much incurious if the hour Present, or to be paid for, brings Me to Brundusium by the power Of wheels or wings; Me, in whose breast no flame hath burned Life-long, save that by Pindar lit, Such lore leaves cold. I am not turned Aside to it More than when, sunk in thought profound Of what the unaltering Gods require, My steward (friend but slave) brings round Logs for my fire.

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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 contemplative meditation on different pursuits of knowledge and the speaker's personal preference for thoughtful introspection over practical or scientific knowledge. The poem starts by illustrating various forms of study and knowledge-seeking—olfactory studies, microbiology, and mechanical physics. Each of these pursuits involves manipulation, alteration, or control, suggesting a human preoccupation with influencing the world around us.

In contrast, the speaker identifies themselves as someone largely indifferent to these pursuits. Their passion lies in the philosophical or poetic realm, indicated by the reference to Pindar, an ancient Greek lyric poet. The tone here is introspective with a touch of slight disdain for the other forms of knowledge, suggesting a preference for the profound and timeless questions of life. The poem's structure, consisting of couplets, aids in drawing these sharp contrasts between the speaker's interests and those of others. The use of the metaphor of the 'fire' in the last line symbolises the speaker's intellectual curiosity, fed not by practical or physical means, but by philosophical pondering, underlining the theme of intellectual introspection versus practical knowledge.

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.