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AKIBA: AKIBA MARTYR, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Muriel Rukeyser's "Akiba: Akiba Martyr" is a profound and harrowing depiction of Rabbi Akiba's martyrdom, reflecting on themes of faith, suffering, and ultimate unity with the divine. Through intense imagery and deep philosophical inquiry, Rukeyser captures the essence of Akiba's final moments and his unwavering commitment to his beliefs.

The poem begins with a stark confrontation: "When his death confronted him, it had the face of his friend / Rufus the Roman general with his claws of pain, / His executioner." Here, Rukeyser introduces Rufus, a Roman general who personifies the physical and psychological torment Akiba endures. This juxtaposition of friend and executioner highlights the complex nature of Akiba's suffering, inflicted by someone he might have known intimately.

Rukeyser vividly describes Akiba's torment: "This was an old man under iron rakes / Tearing through to the bone. He made no cry." Despite the excruciating pain, Akiba remains silent, demonstrating his remarkable strength and resilience. The poem then shifts to Akiba's past efforts and failures: "After the failure of all missions. At ninety, going / To Hadrian in Egypt, the silver-helmed, / Named for a sea." These lines reflect on Akiba's unsuccessful attempts to prevent the desecration of the rebuilt Temple by Emperor Hadrian.

Akiba's plea to Hadrian, "Do not build in the rebuilt Temple. / Your statue, do not make it a shrine to you," underscores his dedication to preserving the sanctity of his faith. Despite his earnest entreaties, Akiba faces misunderstanding and rejection: "The emperor does not understand. / He accepts his harvest, failures. He accepts faithlessness, / Madness of friends, a failed life; and now the face of storm."

In the face of oppression and impending death, Akiba remains steadfast: "Prepare yourselves for suffering. / Now the rule closes in, the last things are forbidden. / There is no real survival without these. / Now it is time for prison and the unknown." Akiba's acceptance of his fate and his readiness to endure suffering for his faith highlight his spiritual fortitude.

Rukeyser's portrayal of Akiba's martyrdom reaches a climax with the description of his spiritual transcendence: "The old man flowers into spiritual fire. / Streaking of agony across the sky. / Torn black. Red racing on blackness. Dawn." This imagery captures the intense, almost cosmic, struggle and transformation Akiba undergoes as he faces his execution.

The dialogue between Rufus and Akiba further illuminates his profound faith: "Rufus looks at him over the rakes of death / Asking, 'What is it? / Have you magic powers? Or do you feel no pain?'" Akiba's response, rooted in the Shema, a central declaration of Jewish faith, reveals his deep spiritual understanding: "'Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, / with all thy soul and with all thy might. / I knew that I loved him with all my heart and might. / Now I know that I love him with all my life.'"

Akiba's realization, "The look of delight of the martyr / Among the colors of pain, at last knowing his own response / Total and unified," signifies a moment of profound spiritual clarity and fulfillment. His ability to love God fully, even in the face of unimaginable pain, represents the ultimate expression of faith and devotion.

The poem concludes with a powerful affirmation of Akiba's enduring legacy: "To confirm my life in the time of confrontation. / The old man saying Shema. / The death of Akiba." By reciting the Shema, Akiba reaffirms his faith and unity with God, solidifying his status as a martyr and a symbol of unwavering devotion.

"Akiba: Akiba Martyr" is a deeply moving and thought-provoking exploration of faith, suffering, and the ultimate unity with the divine. Rukeyser masterfully captures the intensity of Akiba's final moments and his profound spiritual journey, offering readers a poignant reflection on the power of belief and the enduring strength of the human spirit.


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