Poem Analysis - My New Cut Ashler

Overview: Humility and Divine Purpose

Rudyard Kipling's "My New-Cut Ashler" is a contemplative poem imbued with humility and a sense of divine purpose. The speaker, a craftsman, reflects on his work and its relationship to God, expressing gratitude for divine inspiration and acknowledging personal limitations. The poem begins with a tone of dedication and shifts into a more introspective and prayerful mood, culminating in a plea for continued divine guidance. The overall effect is one of reverence and a striving for excellence guided by a higher power.

A Craftsman's Prayer: Recognizing Divine Influence

One of the central themes is the recognition of God's influence in the speaker's creative process. The speaker doesn't take full credit for his achievements, acknowledging, "If there be good in that I wrought / Thy Hand compelled it, Master, Thine." This humility is further emphasized by the admission of failure: "Where I have failed to meet Thy Thought / I know, through Thee, the blame was mine." This suggests a belief that true creativity is a collaboration between human effort and divine inspiration, and that shortcomings are due to human fallibility rather than divine inadequacy.

The Edenic Spark: Art as a Connection to Divinity

The poem explores the theme of art as a means of connecting with the divine. The lines "Who, lest all thought of Eden fade, / Bring'st Eden to the craftsman's brain— / Godlike to muse o'er his own Trade / And manlike stand with God again!" suggest that the act of creation, when inspired by God, allows humans to glimpse the beauty and perfection of Eden. The craftsman, in contemplating his work, experiences a momentary return to a state of harmony with God, blurring the lines between the divine and the mortal.

The Temple of Worth: Building Toward a Greater Purpose

The image of the "New-Cut ashlar" (a dressed stone) and the "dread Temple of Thy worth" are recurring symbols that represent the incremental progress toward a greater spiritual purpose. Each stone, each act of creation, contributes to the building of this temple, symbolizing humanity's collective effort to honor God. The speaker's desire to "see nought common on Thy Earth" reinforces this idea, suggesting a yearning to perceive the divine in all aspects of life and work.

Humility and Service: A Plea for Continued Guidance

The poem's conclusion shifts to a plea for continued guidance and a commitment to service. The speaker asks, "Take not that vision from my ken— / Oh whatsoe'er may spoil or speed." This is a request to maintain the inspiration and divine perspective that allows him to see beyond the mundane. The final lines, "Help me to need no aid from men / That I may help such men as need!" express a desire for self-sufficiency, not out of pride, but so that he can better serve others, reflecting a selfless dedication to both his craft and his community. Perhaps the word "need" has a double meaning, relating both to physical and spiritual need.

Final Thoughts: A Testament to Faith and Craftsmanship

“My New-Cut Ashler” is a testament to the intertwined relationship between faith, craftsmanship, and humility. It portrays a craftsman deeply aware of his dependence on divine inspiration, striving to create work that honors God and serves humanity. The poem’s lasting significance lies in its exploration of the transformative power of creative labor when guided by a higher purpose, and its articulation of a profound sense of gratitude and dedication.