Kinder Than Man” by Althea Davis is a really touching poem about animals. It makes you think about how we sometimes affect their lives in not-so-great ways. But the poem also brings hope, wishing that these animals find happiness in their next journey. After reading this poem and “The Crime of Being Small,” you might just feel a stronger connection to animals and be less inclined to harm them. It’s heartwarming to see so many people care about them, as shown by the nearly 6 million views on TikTok. It’s a reminder that we should be kinder to the creatures that share our world.
If I am killed for simply living,
let death be kinder than man.
Let Death Be Kinder Than Man Animation
This animation explores the heartbreaking truth behind the poem “Kinder Than Man.” Witness the beauty and fragility of life on Earth, from the deer startled by headlights to creatures caught in the unforgiving hand of progress. A stark reminder of the impact we have on the world around us. Though delicate, the story holds a profound message, leaving a lasting impression.
This video often known as if i am killed for simply living poem animation.
Kinder Than Man
By Althea Davis
And God,
please let the deer
on the highway
get some kind of heaven.
Something with tall soft grass,
and sweet reunion.
Let the moths in porch lights
go some place
with a thousand suns,
that taste like sugar
and get swallowed whole.
May the mice
in oil and glue
have forever dry, warm fur
and full bellies.
If I am killed for simply living,
let death be kinder than man.
About the author
Althea Davis is an author known for her collection of poetry, including the popular book “Poems For The Weeping Kind.” This collection of poetry covers a range of topics such as love, loss, God, trauma, healing, family, and dreams. Althea Davis’s writing is described as unflinchingly self-reflective and poignant, delving into deep emotions and personal experiences.
Apart from “Poems For The Weeping Kind,” Althea Davis has authored other works like “The Walk Of Faith Book” and “Taking Off the Mask: Facing the fears of the past.” Her writing style is characterized by a heartfelt exploration of human emotions and experiences, often touching on themes of vulnerability, healing, and spirituality.
Althea Davis’s work, including the poem “Kinder Than Man,” resonates with readers for its emotional depth and thought-provoking themes. Through her writing, she encourages empathy, compassion, and reflection on the interconnectedness of all living beings. The poem, which has gained popularity on TikTok, asks for compassion towards animals and envisions a peaceful afterlife for them.
Summary
The poem “Kinder Than Man” by Althea Davis is a plea for compassion and mercy for animals who may suffer and meet their end at the hands of humans. The poet implores God to provide a peaceful and loving afterlife for animals such as deer on the highway, moths drawn to porch lights, and mice caught in traps. The poet expresses a hope that these animals will find a place of comfort, abundance, and reunion, free from harm and suffering.
The poem also includes a personal plea, where the speaker asks that if they themselves are killed for simply living, that their death be kinder than the cruelty they have witnessed towards animals. The poem is a call for empathy and kindness towards all living beings, and a recognition of the interconnectedness of all life.
Analysis
The poem “Kinder Than Man” by Althea Davis has a free verse structure, which means it does not follow a specific rhyme scheme or rhythmic pattern. Instead, the poem is structured based on the poet’s use of line breaks, stanzas, and imagery.
The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different focus. The first stanza addresses the deer on the highway and asks for a peaceful afterlife for them. The second stanza focuses on the moths drawn to porch lights and envisions a place for them with a thousand suns and the taste of sugar. The third stanza is a plea for the mice caught in traps to have a better life in the afterlife with dry, warm fur and full bellies. The final stanza is a personal plea, asking that if the speaker is killed for simply living, their death be kinder than the cruelty they have witnessed towards animals.
The poem’s structure is effective in conveying the poet’s message of compassion and empathy towards animals. The use of stanzas and line breaks helps to emphasize certain words and phrases, while the imagery creates a vivid picture of the afterlife the poet envisions for these creatures. The free verse structure allows the poet to express their thoughts and emotions freely, without the constraints of a specific rhyme scheme or rhythmic pattern.
❤ this poem is beautiful! If I am killed for simply living, let death be kinder than man 🙁