Israfel (Poem by Edgar Allan Poe)

Israfel

By Edgar Allan Poe

In Heaven a spirit doth dwell

"Whose heart-strings are a lute;"

None sing so wildly well

As the angel Israfel,

And the giddy Stars (so legends tell),

Ceasing their hymns, attend the spell

Of his voice, all mute.

Tottering above

In her highest noon,

The enamoured Moon

Blushes with love,

While, to listen, the red levin

(With the rapid Pleiads, even,

Which were seven),

Pauses in Heaven.

And they say (the starry choir

And the other listening things)

That Israfeli's fire

Is owing to that lyre

By which he sits and sings — 

The trembling living wire

Of those unusual strings.

But the skies that angel trod,

Where deep thoughts are a duty — 

Where Love's a grow-up God — 

Where the Houri glances are

Imbued with all the beauty

Which we worship in a star.

Therefore, thou art not wrong,

Israfeli, who despisest

An unimpassioned song;

To thee the laurels belong,

Best bard, because the wisest!

Merrily live and long!

The ecstasies above

With thy burning measures suit — 

Thy grief, thy joy, thy hate, thy love,

With the fervor of thy lute — 

Well may the stars be mute!

Yes, Heaven is thine; but this

Is a world of sweets and sours;

Our flowers are merely — flowers,

And the shadow of thy perfect bliss

Is the sunshine of ours.

If I could dwell

Where Israfel

Hath dwelt, and he where I,

He might not sing so wildly well

A mortal melody,

While a bolder note than this might swell

From my lyre within the sky.

1836

Footnote:

And the angel Israfel, whose heart-strings are a lute, and who has the sweetest voice of all God's creatures. Koran.

Poem Analysis:

Edgar Allan Poe's "Israfel" is a mesmerizing and evocative poem that explores themes of heavenly music, celestial beauty, and the divine nature of artistic inspiration. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, Poe celebrates the transcendent power of music and the creative spirit.

Heavenly Music and Inspiration: The poem introduces Israfel, an angel whose heart-strings are likened to a lute, symbolizing his innate connection to celestial music and poetic inspiration. Israfel's singing is described as wild and captivating, drawing the attention of the stars themselves. Poe portrays Israfel as the epitome of artistic genius, whose divine melodies enrapture both heavenly and earthly beings.

Celestial Imagery: Poe paints a vivid picture of the celestial realm, where Israfel's music resonates with the heavens. The enamored Moon blushes with love, and even the thunder pauses to listen to his song. Through celestial imagery, Poe underscores the otherworldly beauty and power of Israfel's music, elevating it to a divine realm beyond earthly comprehension.

The Power of Artistic Expression: Israfel's music is portrayed as a source of divine inspiration, igniting passion and emotion in all who hear it. Poe suggests that Israfel's ability to express intense emotions through his music sets him apart as the "best bard" and "the wisest." Through Israfel, Poe celebrates the transformative power of art to evoke profound feelings and insights.

Mortal vs. Divine Experience: Poe contrasts the mortal experience with the celestial realm where Israfel dwells. While Israfel's music embodies ecstasy and fervor, mortal existence is characterized by both sweetness and sorrow. Poe suggests that while earthly pleasures may pale in comparison to the divine bliss of Israfel's music, they still hold value as reflections of a lesser, but still meaningful, form of joy.

Aspiration and Creativity: The speaker expresses a longing to dwell in Israfel's celestial realm and to channel his inspiration to create music that rivals Israfel's own. Through this aspiration, Poe reflects on the enduring human quest for artistic excellence and spiritual fulfillment. The speaker's desire to reach beyond mortal limitations speaks to the universal human longing for transcendence and connection to the divine.

In conclusion, Edgar Allan Poe's "Israfel" is a captivating exploration of the transcendent power of music, the divine nature of artistic inspiration, and the human longing for spiritual fulfillment. Through rich imagery and lyrical language, Poe invites readers to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the celestial realm and to aspire to heights of creativity and expression that approach the sublime.