A Dedication by Rudyard Kipling
The poem reflects the speaker's introspection and artistic struggle, emphasizing the disparity between the greatness of the materials and the humble nature of the speaker's creations. The speaker acknowledges the superior skills and efforts of those who have produced precious gems, contrasting them with his own rudimentary work crafted from common clay. This serves as a metaphor for the artist's journey, highlighting feelings of inadequacy and the desire for validation. The speaker expresses a deep connection to the act of creation, suggesting that the emotional investment in his work imbues it with life, despite its roughness. He addresses a significant figure, seeking approval and recognition for his efforts, which are born from personal anguish and longing. The act of presenting his creations is both a culmination of his labor and a plea for acceptance. As he prepares to showcase his work in a marketplace, he reflects on the potential for praise from the crowd, yet yearns for the judgment of the one who holds his heart. This duality of seeking external validation while grappling with internal doubts encapsulates the essence of the artistic experience. The poem ultimately conveys themes of aspiration, the quest for meaning, and the complex relationship between the creator and their creations.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1925 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism · 248 words
First lines
And they were stronger hands than mine That digged the Ruby from the earth -- More cunning brains that made it worth The large desire of a king, And stouter hearts that through the brine Went down the perfect Pearl to bring.
Lo, I have wrought in common clay Rude figures of a rough-hewn race, Since pearls strew not the market-place In this my town of banishment, Where with the shifting dust I play, And eat the bread of discontent.
Yet is there life in that I make. O thou who knowest, turn and see -- As thou hast power over me So have I power over these, Because I wrought them for thy sake, And breathed in them mine agonies.
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A Dedication is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1925 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1925 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Romanticism, Philosophical, Historical
- Length: 248 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- The Burial by Rudyard Kipling
- The Maker To Posterity by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Things And The Man by Rudyard Kipling
- Epitaphs by Rudyard Kipling
- Strange Are The Ways Of Men by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Song Of The Dead by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of creation, longing, and artistic struggle reflect the depth and complexity found in literary fiction.
- Romanticism — The emotional expression and focus on the artist's inner life align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical — The exploration of existence, purpose, and the relationship between creator and creation introduces philosophical themes.
Tags
dedication · Rudyard Kipling · poetry · art · creation · struggle · desire · craftsmanship · banishment · discontent · life · power