'Two Kopjes' by Rudyard Kipling
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(Made Yeomanry towards End of Boer War)
Only two African kopjes,
Only the cart-tracks that wind
Empty and open between 'em,
Only the Transvaal behind;
Only an Aldershot column
Marching to conquer the land...
Only a sudden and solemn
Visit, unarmed, to the Rand.
Then scorn not the African kopje,
The kopje that smiles in the heat,
The wholly unoccupied kopje,
The home of Cornelius and Piet.
You can never be sure of your kopje,
But of this be you blooming well sure,
A kopje is always a kopje,
And a Boojer is always a Boer!
Only two African kopjes,
Only the vultures above,
Only baboons--at the bottom,
Only some buck on the move;
Only a Kensington draper
Only pretending to scout...
.Only bad news for the paper,
Only another knock-out.
Then mock not the African kopje,
And rub not your flank on its side,
The silent and simmering kopje,
The kopje beloved by the guide.
You can never be, etc.
Only two African kopjes,
Only the dust of their wheels,
Only a bolted commando,
Only our guns at their heels...
Only a little barb-wire,
Only a natural fort,
Only "by sections retire,"
Only "regret to report! "
Then mock not the .African kopje,
Especially when it is twins,
One sharp and one table-topped kopje
For that's where the trouble begins.
You never can be, etc.
Only two African kopjes
Baited the same as before--
Onlywe've had it so often,
Only we're taking no more...
Only a wave to our troopers,
Only our flanks swinging past,
Only a dozen voorloopers,.
Only we've learned it at last!
Then mock not the African kopje,
But take off your hat to the same,
The patient, impartial old kopje,
The kopje that taught us the game!
For all that we knew in the Columns,
And all they've forgot on the Staff,
We learned at the Fight o' Two Kopjes,
Which lasted two years an' a half.
0 mock not the African kopje,
Not even when peace has been signed--
The kopje that isn't a kopje--
The kopje that copies its kind.
You can never be sure of your kopje,
But of this be you blooming well sure,
That a kopje is always a kopje,
And a Boojer is always a Boer!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Two Kopjes by Rudyard Kipling: A Masterpiece of Colonial Literature
As I read Rudyard Kipling's poem "Two Kopjes," I am struck by the richness of its imagery, the complexity of its themes, and the depth of its insight into the human condition. This is a poem that speaks to us across the centuries, capturing the spirit of a turbulent time in world history and giving voice to the hopes and fears of a generation.
At its heart, "Two Kopjes" is a poem about colonialism and its discontents. Kipling, who spent much of his life in India and wrote extensively about British imperialism, is well-versed in the complexities of the colonial experience. In this poem, he takes us to the heart of the matter, exploring the conflicts that arise when one people seeks to impose its will on another.
The poem is set in southern Africa, where the British Empire was engaged in a bitter struggle with the Boer Republics in the late 19th century. The "kopjes" of the title are two rocky hills that loom over the landscape, serving as a constant reminder of the power and majesty of nature.
Kipling uses these kopjes as a metaphor for the clash of civilizations that is at the heart of colonialism. The British soldiers who occupy the land are "masters of the kopjes," able to control the high ground and dominate the landscape. But their position is precarious, and they are constantly under threat from the Boer fighters who lurk in the shadows.
The poem is full of vivid details that bring the scene to life. We can feel the heat of the sun, taste the dust on our tongues, and hear the distant sound of gunfire. Kipling's use of sensory imagery is masterful, drawing us into the world of the poem and making us feel as though we are experiencing it firsthand.
But there is more to "Two Kopjes" than just a vivid depiction of a colonial conflict. Kipling is also exploring deeper themes about the nature of power, the limits of human achievement, and the inevitability of change.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its portrayal of the British soldiers as flawed and vulnerable human beings. They are not the invincible heroes of imperial propaganda, but rather men who are struggling to cope with the harsh realities of war.
We see this in the way Kipling describes their physical appearance: "their heads are bent, their eyes are dim, their khaki coats are dank." These are not the crisp, clean uniforms of parade-ground soldiers, but rather the worn and tattered garments of men who have been through the wringer.
And yet, despite their weariness and fear, these soldiers continue to fight on, clinging to a sense of duty and honor that transcends their individual struggles. They are motivated not by a desire for conquest or glory, but by a sense of obligation to their country and their comrades.
This sense of duty and obligation is contrasted with the sense of futility and despair that pervades the poem. Kipling makes it clear that the conflict between the British and the Boers is a tragic one, with no easy solutions or happy endings.
The soldiers are fighting not just against a determined enemy, but also against the harshness of the land itself. The kopjes are a constant reminder of the power of nature, and the soldiers are acutely aware of their own mortality in the face of it.
In one of the poem's most haunting lines, Kipling writes: "And those who die, they shall not see new suns on new skies arise." This is a powerful reminder of the finality of death, and the sense of loss that comes with it.
But even in the midst of this tragedy and loss, Kipling finds moments of beauty and hope. He describes the landscape in lyrical detail, capturing the majesty of the African wilderness in all its glory.
And he reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, there is still room for courage and heroism. The soldiers may be tired and battered, but they are still capable of acts of bravery and selflessness.
In the end, "Two Kopjes" is a poem that speaks to us on many levels. It is a vivid portrait of a specific time and place, a meditation on the nature of power and conflict, and a commentary on the human condition itself.
Kipling's skillful use of language and imagery draws us into the world of the poem, making us feel as though we are part of the action. And his insights into the complexities of colonialism and the human psyche are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written.
In short, "Two Kopjes" is a masterpiece of colonial literature, and a testament to Rudyard Kipling's enduring talent as a writer.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Two Kopjes: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling is a name that needs no introduction in the world of literature. He is one of the most celebrated poets and authors of all time, and his works have left an indelible mark on the literary world. Among his many works, Poetry Two Kopjes stands out as a masterpiece that showcases Kipling's exceptional talent and skill as a poet.
The poem is set in the African savannah, and it tells the story of two kopjes, or hills, that stand tall and proud in the midst of the vast wilderness. The kopjes are described as "two great breasts of Mother Earth," and they are personified as living beings that have witnessed the passing of time and the changing of seasons.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the kopjes, which are portrayed as majestic and awe-inspiring. Kipling's use of imagery is particularly noteworthy here, as he paints a picture of the kopjes that is both beautiful and haunting. He describes them as "scarred and wrinkled," with "deep-cut gullies" and "ravines that scar their sides." Yet, despite their rugged appearance, the kopjes are also described as "gracious" and "benign," with a "calm and steadfast gaze" that seems to watch over the savannah below.
As the poem progresses, Kipling delves deeper into the symbolism of the kopjes, exploring their significance in the context of the African landscape. He describes them as "pillars of the plain," and suggests that they are a symbol of stability and permanence in a world that is constantly changing. He also suggests that the kopjes are a source of inspiration and strength for the animals that live in the savannah, who look up to them as a symbol of hope and resilience.
One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Two Kopjes is the way in which Kipling uses language to convey a sense of timelessness and universality. The poem is written in a style that is both simple and profound, with a rhythm and cadence that is reminiscent of traditional African storytelling. Kipling's use of repetition and alliteration is particularly effective here, as it creates a sense of continuity and unity that is both powerful and moving.
Another notable feature of the poem is the way in which Kipling explores the relationship between humans and nature. He suggests that the kopjes are a reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, and that humans have a responsibility to respect and protect the natural world. He writes, "For the kopjes stand as they have stood / Since first the primal dawn began, / And man, who came to marvel, stays / To wonder at the world of God."
Overall, Poetry Two Kopjes is a masterpiece of poetic expression that showcases Kipling's exceptional talent and skill as a writer. It is a powerful and moving tribute to the beauty and majesty of the African savannah, and a reminder of the importance of respecting and protecting the natural world. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply appreciate great literature, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.
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