The City of Sleep
By Rudyard Kipling
Over the edge of the purple down,
Where the single lamplight gleams.
Know ye the road to the Merciful Town
That is hard by the Sea of Dreams —
Where the poor may lay their wrongs away,
And the sick may forget to-weep?
But we — pity us! Oh, pity us!
We wakeful; ah, pity us! —
We must go back with Policeman Day —
Back from the City of Sleep!
Weary they turn from the scroll and crown,
Fetter and prayer and plough —
They that go up to the Merciful Town,
For her gates are closing now.
It is their right in the Baths of Night
Body and soul to steep,
But we — pity us! ah, pity us!
We wakeful; oh, pity us! —
We must go back with Policeman Day —
Back from the City of Sleep!
Over the edge of the purple down,
Ere the tender dreams begin,
Look — we may look — at the Merciful Towns
But we may not enter in!
Outcasts all, from her guarded wall
Back to our watch we creep:
We — pity us! ah, pity us!
We wakeful; oh, pity us! —
We that go back with Policeman Day —
Back from the City of Sleep!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling, celebrated for his rich storytelling and evocative poetry, delves into the intriguing territory of dreams and reality in his poem "The City of Sleep."
- A Dreamscape Unveiled: "The City of Sleep" transports readers to a dreamscape, where reality and the world of dreams merge. It is a realm where possibilities seem limitless, and where the boundaries between conscious and subconscious blur. Kipling invites us to consider the idea that dreams offer an alternative existence beyond the confines of our waking lives.
- The Merciful Town: The poem introduces the enigmatic "Merciful Town" by the Sea of Dreams. This town is depicted as a sanctuary for the weary, where the poor can lay their burdens down and the sick may find solace. It is a place where the suffering can forget their sorrows. However, Kipling underscores the poignancy of the situation by emphasizing that those who are "wakeful" cannot enter this haven.
- The Enigmatic Policeman Day: The presence of "Policeman Day" adds a layer of mystery to the narrative. Policeman Day, typically associated with order and control, becomes a symbol of constraint, forcing those who are "wakeful" to return from the dreamlike state. This character embodies the relentless march of time and the transition from the subconscious back to reality.
- The Yearning to Belong: The poem portrays the "wakeful" individuals as outcasts who yearn to enter the Merciful Town but are denied access. This evokes a sense of longing and isolation, emphasizing the sharp contrast between the dream world's warmth and the harshness of reality. It prompts readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of dreams and the difficulty of translating those experiences into our waking lives.
- Symbolism of the Purple Down: The "purple down" symbolizes the threshold between the waking world and the realm of dreams. It serves as a boundary that separates two distinct states of existence, marking the point of transition and transformation. The color purple is often associated with mystery, spirituality, and introspection, adding depth to the symbolism.
In "The City of Sleep," Rudyard Kipling skillfully explores the intricate relationship between dreams and reality. Through vivid imagery and symbolism, he invites readers to contemplate the transient nature of dreams and the profound impact they can have on our waking lives. The poem raises questions about the boundaries between conscious and subconscious states and the yearning to belong to a place of solace and respite. Ultimately, Kipling's work leaves us pondering the mysteries of existence and the elusive nature of the dream world.