Poem Analysis - The Angels Kiss

A Gentle Farewell: Introduction to "The Angel's Kiss"

Banjo Paterson's "The Angel's Kiss" is a comforting and poignant poem that explores themes of divine love, maternal absence, and the enduring power of blessings. The poem's tone is initially solemn and reverent, focused on the transition between life and death. It shifts to a tone of hope and reassurance as the angel delivers God's blessing to the motherless child. The poem concludes on a reflective note, contemplating the lasting impact of these early blessings.

Divine Intervention and Maternal Absence: Exploring the Core Themes

One of the main themes is divine love and intervention. The angel acts as God's messenger, demonstrating a loving concern for those deprived of maternal care. The "kiss that Christ the Crucified / Had sent" symbolizes a direct connection to divine grace and comfort in times of sorrow and loss. This theme is evident in lines such as "For God, who ruleth righteously, / Hath ordered that to such as be / From birth deprived of mother's love, / I bring His blessing from above." Another powerful theme is the absence of a mother's love and the void it creates in a child's life. The poem directly addresses the plight of infants who lose their mothers at birth, highlighting the need for divine compensation and guidance. Finally, the poem also explores the theme of hope and protection that divine blessings can give during life. The mother's kiss or blessing (if she survives) and the angel's kiss are a form of protection and guidance for the child through their life.

Symbolism of Light and Flight: Decoding the Imagery

The poem employs several significant symbols. The "kiss" itself represents a transfer of love, grace, and protection. The angel's kiss on the "breast" might symbolize nourishment and physical well-being, while the kiss on the "brain" could signify intellectual and spiritual guidance. The phrase "moved towards the light" is a common symbol for life, hope, and the future, suggesting the infant's transition into a world filled with potential. Conversely, the "angel spread his wings in flight" could represent departure, but also transcendence and the continuation of divine protection from afar. The ending suggests even as the angel physically departs, the impact of his actions remains.

A Lasting Imprint: The Power of Early Blessings

The poem's concluding lines, "But each man carries to his grave / The kisses that in hopes to save / The angel or his mother gave," are particularly evocative. These lines suggest that the blessings and love received in infancy have a profound and lasting impact on an individual's life, shaping their character and providing strength during difficult times. The ambiguity of whether it is the angel's or mother's kiss that provides this lasting impact adds depth. Does one hold more power than the other? Is it the combination that truly shapes a person's life? This ambiguity invites readers to reflect on the enduring power of early experiences and the profound impact of both earthly and divine love.

Eternal Echoes: Conclusion

"The Angel's Kiss" is a simple yet profound meditation on loss, divine grace, and the enduring power of love. Through vivid imagery and a comforting tone, Paterson explores the profound impact of early blessings, suggesting that these acts of love and protection shape an individual's life and provide solace throughout their journey. Ultimately, the poem reminds us of the enduring strength found in both human connection and divine intervention, leaving the reader with a sense of hope and reassurance.