There's a Legion that never was ’listed,That carries no colours or crest,But, split in a thousand detachments,Is breaking the road for the rest.Our fathers they left us their blessing—They taught us, and groomed us, and crammed;But we’ve shaken the Clubs and the MessesTo go and find out and be damned(Dear boys!),To go and get shot … Continue reading Poem – “The Lost Legion”
Rudyard Kipling
Poem – ‘Ave Imperatrix’
(Written on the occasion of the attempt to assassinate Queen Victoria in March 1882) From every quarter of your landThey give God thanks who turned awayDeath and the needy madman’s hand,Death-fraught, which menaced you that day. One school of many made to makeMen who shall hold it dearest rightTo battle for their ruler’s sake,And stake … Continue reading Poem – ‘Ave Imperatrix’
Poem – “The American Rebellion”
BEFORE 'Twas not while England's sword unsheathedPut half a world to flight,Nor while their new-built cities breathedSecure behind her might;Not while she poured from Pole to LineTreasure and ships and men—These worshippers at Freedoms shrineThey did not quit her then! Not till their foes were driven forthBy England o'er the main—Not till the Frenchman from … Continue reading Poem – “The American Rebellion”
Poem – “The Beginnings”
It was not part of their blood,It came to them very lateWith long arrears to make good,When the English began to hate. They were not easily moved,They were icy-willing to waitTill every count should be proved,Ere the English began to hate. Their voices were even and low,Their eyes were level and straight.There was neither sign … Continue reading Poem – “The Beginnings”
Poem – “An American”
The American Spirit speaks: If the Led Striker call it a strike,Or the papers call it a war,They know not much what I am like,Nor what he is, my Avatar. Through many roads, by me possessed,He shambles forth in cosmic guise;He is the Jester and the Jest,And he the Text himself applies. The Celt is … Continue reading Poem – “An American”
Poem – “Mandalay”
By the old Moulmein Pagoda, lookin' lazy at the sea,There's a Burma girl a-settin', and I know she thinks o' me;For the wind is in the palm-trees, and the temple-bells they say:"Come you back, you British soldier; come you back to Mandalay!"Come you back to Mandalay,Where the old Flotilla lay:Can't you 'ear their paddles chunkin' … Continue reading Poem – “Mandalay”
Poem- “Arithmetic on the Frontier”
A great and glorious thing it isTo learn, for seven years or so,The Lord knows what of that and this,Ere reckoned fit to face the foe—The flying bullet down the Pass,That whistles clear: "All flesh is grass." Three hundred pounds per annum spentOn making brain and body meeterFor all the murderous intentComprised in "villainous saltpetre".And … Continue reading Poem- “Arithmetic on the Frontier”
Poem – “The White Man’s Burden”
1 Take up the White Man's burden—Send forth the best ye breed—Go bind your sons to exileTo serve your captives' need;To wait in heavy harnessOn fluttered folk and wild—Your new-caught sullen peoples,Half devil and half child. 2 Take up the White Man's burden—In patience to abideTo veil the threat of terrorAnd check the show of … Continue reading Poem – “The White Man’s Burden”
Poem – “The Stream is Shrunk”
The stream is shrunk—the pool is dry,And we be comrades, thou and I;With fevered jowl and dusty flankEach jostling each along the bank;And, by one drouthy fear made still,Forgoing thought of quest or kill.Now 'neath his dam the fawn may seeThe lean Pack-wolf as cowed as he,And the tall buck, unflinching, noteThe fangs that tore … Continue reading Poem – “The Stream is Shrunk”
Poem – “My Boy Jack”
"Have you news of my boy Jack? "Not this tide."When d'you think that he'll come back?"Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. "Has any one else had word of him?"Not this tide.For what is sunk will hardly swim,Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. "Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?"None this tide,Nor … Continue reading Poem – “My Boy Jack”
Serpent's Den 