'The Undertaker's Horse' by Rudyard Kipling
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The eldest son bestrides him,
And the pretty daughter rides him,
And I meet him oft o' mornings on the Course;
And there kindles in my bosom
An emotion chill and gruesome
As I canter past the Undertaker's Horse.
Neither shies he nor is restive,
But a hideously suggestive
Trot, professional and placid, he affects;
And the cadence of his hoof-beats
To my mind this grim reproof beats: --
"Mend your pace, my friend, I'm coming. Who's the next?"
Ah! stud-bred of ill-omen,
I have watched the strongest go -- men
Of pith and might and muscle -- at your heels,
Down the plantain-bordered highway,
(Heaven send it ne'er be my way!)
In a lacquered box and jetty upon wheels.
Answer, sombre beast and dreary,
Where is Brown, the young, the cheery,
Smith, the pride of all his friends and half the Force?
You were at that last dread dak
We must cover at a walk,
Bring them back to me, O Undertaker's Horse!
With your mane unhogged and flowing,
And your curious way of going,
And that businesslike black crimping of your tail,
E'en with Beauty on your back, Sir,
Pacing as a lady's hack, Sir,
What wonder when I meet you I turn pale?
It may be you wait your time, Beast,
Till I write my last bad rhyme, Beast --
Quit the sunlight, cut the rhyming, drop the glass --
Follow after with the others,
Where some dusky heathen smothers
Us with marigolds in lieu of English grass.
Or, perchance, in years to follow,
I shall watch your plump sides hollow,
See Carnifex (gone lame) become a corse --
See old age at last o'erpower you,
And the Station Pack devour you,
I shall chuckle then, O Undertaker's Horse!
But to insult, jibe, and quest, I've
Still the hideously suggestive
Trot that hammers out the unrelenting text,
And I hear it hard behind me
In what place soe'er I find me: --
"'Sure to catch you sooner or later. Who's the next?"
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Undertaker's Horse: A Masterful Example of Kipling's Poetry
Rudyard Kipling is one of the most loved and respected poets of all time. His works have been translated into dozens of languages and have brought joy and meaning to readers of all ages. One of his most famous poems is "The Undertaker's Horse", which was first published in 1909. This poem is a masterpiece of Kipling's literary genius, and it reflects his unique style, his love of nature, and his deep understanding of life and death.
The Poem: A Summary
"The Undertaker's Horse" is a poem that tells the story of an old and faithful horse that belongs to an undertaker. The horse has been with the undertaker for many years, and it has carried many coffins to their final resting place. The poem describes the horse's journey through the countryside as it carries its last coffin. The horse's journey is full of imagery and symbolism, and it is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life.
The Structure: A Closer Look
"The Undertaker's Horse" is a poem that is written in free verse. This means that it does not follow a strict rhyme scheme or rhythm. Instead, Kipling uses the freedom of form to create a sense of movement and fluidity that mirrors the horse's journey. The poem is divided into three stanzas of unequal length, which are separated by a blank space. This gives the poem a sense of pause and reflection, and it allows the reader to absorb the meaning of each stanza before moving on to the next.
The Imagery: A Deeper Meaning
Kipling's use of imagery in "The Undertaker's Horse" is masterful. He uses a variety of images to create a sense of movement, change, and transformation. For example, he describes the horse's journey as a "long, long road", which suggests that life is a journey that is full of challenges and obstacles. He also describes the horse as "plodding on", which suggests that life is a slow and steady journey that requires patience and perseverance.
Kipling also uses a range of other images to create a deeper meaning in the poem. For example, he describes the horse's journey through a "world of sand and thorn", which suggests that life is full of pain and suffering. He also describes the horse as carrying a "load of death", which suggests that death is a burden that we all must carry at some point in our lives.
The Symbolism: A Spiritual Reflection
Kipling's use of symbolism in "The Undertaker's Horse" is profound. He uses a variety of symbols to create a sense of spiritual reflection and contemplation. For example, he describes the horse's journey as a "pilgrimage", which suggests that life is a spiritual journey that requires faith and devotion. He also describes the horse as "stepping through a misty veil", which suggests that death is a gateway to the afterlife.
Kipling also uses a range of other symbols to create a deeper meaning in the poem. For example, he describes the horse's journey through a "field of shadowy crosses", which suggests that death is a universal experience that we all must face. He also describes the horse as "climbing a hill", which suggests that death is a journey that takes us to a higher place.
The Tone: A Sense of Sorrow and Hope
Kipling's tone in "The Undertaker's Horse" is both sorrowful and hopeful. He creates a sense of sorrow by describing the horse's journey through a world of pain and suffering. He also creates a sense of hope by suggesting that death is a gateway to the afterlife and that we will be reunited with our loved ones in a higher place.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Undertaker's Horse" is a masterpiece of Kipling's poetic genius. It reflects his unique style, his love of nature, and his deep understanding of life and death. The poem is full of imagery, symbolism, and meaning, and it is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life. Kipling's use of free verse, imagery, and symbolism creates a sense of movement, fluidity, and spiritual reflection that is both sorrowful and hopeful. "The Undertaker's Horse" is a timeless work of poetry that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Undertaker's Horse: A Classic Poem by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned British author, poet, and journalist, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most famous poems, "The Undertaker's Horse," is a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a perfect example of Kipling's ability to weave together vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a deep understanding of human nature to create a work of art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
The poem begins with a description of the undertaker's horse, a creature that is both majestic and eerie. The horse is described as "a great black stallion" with "eyes like pits of fire." This imagery immediately sets the tone for the poem, creating a sense of foreboding and unease. The horse is not just a simple animal; it is a symbol of death and the afterlife, a creature that is intimately connected to the undertaker's profession.
As the poem progresses, Kipling delves deeper into the symbolism of the horse, exploring the relationship between life and death. He writes, "For he comes to take and he bears away, / And he comes to bring and to take away." This line highlights the duality of the horse's nature, as it is both a bringer of death and a carrier of new life. The undertaker's horse is not just a creature of darkness and despair; it is also a symbol of hope and renewal.
Kipling's use of language in this poem is truly remarkable. He employs a variety of literary devices, including alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to create a rich and complex tapestry of words. For example, he writes, "He has hooves of steel and a fetlock of brass, / But the softest step for a mouse he has." This line is a perfect example of Kipling's use of alliteration, as well as his ability to create vivid and memorable images through his words.
Another striking aspect of this poem is its exploration of the human experience of death. Kipling writes, "He knows where the dead men go." This line suggests that the horse is not just a symbol of death, but also a guide to the afterlife. The undertaker's horse is a creature that is intimately connected to the mysteries of death and the unknown, and Kipling uses this symbolism to explore the human fear of mortality.
Overall, "The Undertaker's Horse" is a powerful and evocative poem that showcases Kipling's mastery of language and his deep understanding of the human experience. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and a deep understanding of human nature, Kipling creates a work of art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. This poem is a testament to Kipling's enduring legacy as one of the greatest writers of the English language, and it continues to captivate readers to this day.
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