The Dying Man and the Vulture (Poem by Kahlil Gibran)

The Dying Man and the Vulture

By Kahlil Gibran

Wait, wait yet awhile, my eager friend.

I shall yield but too soon this wasted thing,

Whose agony overwrought and useless

Exhausts your patience.

I would not have your honest hunger

Wait upon these moments:

But this chain, though made of a breath,

Is hard to break.

And the will to die,

Stronger than all things strong,

Is stayed by a will to live

Feebler than all things feeble.

Forgive me comrade; I tarry too long.

It is memory that holds my spirit;

A procession of distant days,

A vision of youth spent in a dream,

A face that bids my eyelids not to sleep,

A voice that lingers in my ears,

A hand that touches my hand.

Forgive me that you have waited too long.

It is over now, and all is faded: —

The face, the voice, the hand and the mist

that brought them hither.

The knot is untied.

The cord is cleaved.

And that which is neither food nor drink is withdrawn.

Approach, my hungry comrade;

The board is made ready,

And the fare, frugal and spare,

Is given with love.

Come, and dig your beak here, into the left side,

And tear out of its cage this smaller bird,

Whose wings can beat no more:

I would have it soar with you into the sky.

Come now, my friend, I am your host tonight,

And you my welcome guest.

Poem Analysis:

Kahlil Gibran, a prominent Lebanese-American poet and philosopher, is known for his profound and spiritually infused poetry. In "The Dying Man and the Vulture," Gibran explores themes of life, death, memory, and the complex relationship between the dying man and the vulture. This analysis delves into the poem's structure, symbolism, and the philosophical questions it raises.

Structure and Form:

"The Dying Man and the Vulture" is a free-verse poem without a specific rhyme scheme or meter. This structure allows Gibran to convey his message with a sense of pacing, gradually building to a poignant conclusion.

Themes:

1. The Passage of Time: The poem reflects on the passage of time and the transience of life. The dying man acknowledges his own mortality and the inevitability of death. He speaks of memory, a procession of distant days, and a vision of his youth as a dream. This theme prompts contemplation of how we spend our time on Earth.
2. The Human Condition: The poem explores the human condition, with the dying man representing all of humanity. His internal struggle between the will to die and the will to live reflects the universal experience of facing mortality and the difficulty of letting go.
3. Memory and Identity: Memory plays a crucial role in the poem. The dying man clings to memories of his past, including faces, voices, and tactile sensations. Memory is both a source of comfort and a reminder of what has been lost. It raises questions about the role of memory in shaping one's identity.
4. Compassion and Connection: The interaction between the dying man and the vulture is marked by compassion and connection. The dying man invites the vulture to feed on him after his death, seeing the vulture as a companion in the transition from life to death. This connection highlights the shared experience of mortality.

Symbolism:

1. The Vulture: The vulture serves as a symbol of death and decay. However, in this context, it also represents a natural and essential aspect of the cycle of life. The vulture's role is not one of malevolence but of necessity, as it helps recycle life energy.
2. Memory: Memory is symbolized as a procession of distant days, a vision of youth, and the faces, voices, and touch of loved ones. It represents the fading but enduring imprint of one's past experiences and relationships.
3. The Left Side: The dying man invites the vulture to "dig your beak here, into the left side" to release a smaller bird. This act symbolizes the release of the soul from the physical body. The left side may carry specific symbolism, possibly related to the heart or the soul's departure.

Philosophical Questions:

Gibran's poem raises profound philosophical questions about the nature of life, death, and memory. It invites readers to contemplate the significance of memory in shaping one's identity and the human struggle to reconcile the will to die with the will to live. The act of offering oneself to the vulture prompts reflection on the interconnectedness of all living beings and the inevitability of death as part of the natural order.

In conclusion, "The Dying Man and the Vulture" by Kahlil Gibran is a poignant exploration of life's impermanence and the enduring power of memory. Through its symbolism and themes, the poem invites readers to grapple with the fundamental questions of existence and the complex relationship between life, death, and the passage of time.