'L 'envoi' by Rudyard Kipling


AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay



There's a whisper down the field where the year has shot her yield,
And the ricks stand gray to the sun,
Singing: -- "Over then, come over, for the bee has quit the clover,
And your English summer's done."
You have heard the beat of the off-shore wind,
And the thresh of the deep-sea rain;
You have heard the song -- how long! how long?
Pull out on the trail again!

Ha' done with the Tents of Shem, dear lass,
We've seen the seasons through,
And it's time to turn on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
Pull out, pull out, on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.

It's North you may run to the rime-ringed sun,
Or South to the blind Horn's hate;
Or East all the way into Mississippi Bay,
Or West to the Golden Gate;
Where the blindest bluffs hold good, dear lass,
And the wildest tales are true,
And the men bulk big on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
And life runs large on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.

The days are sick and cold, and the skies are gray and old,
And the twice-breathed airs blow damp;
And I'd sell my tired soul for the bucking beam-sea roll
Of a black Bilbao tramp;
With her load-line over her hatch, dear lass,
And a drunken Dago crew,
And her nose held down on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail
From Cadiz Bar on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.

There be triple ways to take, of the eagle or the snake,
Or the way of a man with a maid;
But the fairest way to me is a ship's upon the sea
In the heel of the North-East Trade.
Can you hear the crash on her bows, dear lass,
And the drum of the racing screw,
As she ships it green on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
As she lifts and 'scends on the Long Trail --
the trail that is always new?

See the shaking funnels roar, with the Peter at the fore,
And the fenders grind and heave,
And the derricks clack and grate, as the tackle hooks the crate,
And the fall-rope whines through the sheave;
It's "Gang-plank up and in," dear lass,
It's "Hawsers warp her through!"
And it's "All clear aft" on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
We're backing down on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.

O the mutter overside, when the port-fog holds us tied,
And the sirens hoot their dread!
When foot by foot we creep o'er the hueless viewless deep
To the sob of the questing lead!
It's down by the Lower Hope, dear lass,
With the Gunfleet Sands in view,
Till the Mouse swings green on the old trail,
our own trail, the out trail,
And the Gull Light lifts on the Long Trail --
the trail that is always new.

O the blazing tropic night, when the wake's a welt of light
That holds the hot sky tame,
And the steady fore-foot snores through the planet-powdered floors
Where the scared whale flukes in flame!
Her plates are scarred by the sun, dear lass,
And her ropes are taut with the dew,
For we're booming down on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
We're sagging south on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.

Then home, get her home, where the drunken rollers comb,
And the shouting seas drive by,
And the engines stamp and ring, and the wet bows reel and swing,
And the Southern Cross rides high!
Yes, the old lost stars wheel back, dear lass,
That blaze in the velvet blue.
They're all old friends on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
They're God's own guides on the Long Trail --
the trail that is always new.

Fly forward, O my heart, from the Foreland to the Start --
We're steaming all-too slow,
And it's twenty thousand mile to our little lazy isle
Where the trumpet-orchids blow!
You have heard the call of the off-shore wind,
And the voice of the deep-sea rain;
You have heard the song -- how long! how long?
Pull out on the trail again!

The Lord knows what we may find, dear lass,
And The Deuce knows what we may do --
But we're back once more on the old trail, our own trail, the out trail,
We're down, hull down on the Long Trail -- the trail that is always new.


Editor 1 Interpretation

L'envoi by Rudyard Kipling: A Close Reading

Introduction

Rudyard Kipling is one of the most celebrated poets of the English language. His works are known for their vivid imagery, rhythmic quality, and powerful storytelling. "L'envoi," one of his most famous poems, is a masterpiece of poetic technique and meaning. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and techniques that Kipling uses in "L'envoi" and offer my own analysis and interpretation of the poem.

Background

Kipling was born in Bombay, India, in 1865, and spent much of his early life in the country. His experiences in India would greatly influence his writing and his worldview, as he saw firsthand the cultural clashes and injustices of the British colonial system. Kipling's writing was also shaped by his travels throughout the world, his experiences as a journalist and war correspondent, and his deep interest in politics and social issues.

"L'envoi" was first published in 1892 as the final poem in Kipling's collection "Barrack-Room Ballads." The collection was an immediate success, and Kipling became a literary sensation overnight. "L'envoi" was particularly popular, and has since become one of Kipling's most famous and enduring works.

Form and Structure

"L'envoi" is a poem of five stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The poem is written in the form of a ballad, with a strong rhythmic quality that is typical of Kipling's work. The rhyme scheme is AABB, with each pair of lines rhyming with the other.

The poem is a type of "envoi," which in medieval literature was a concluding stanza or short poem that was added to a longer work, often as a farewell or dedication. In this sense, "L'envoi" serves as a farewell to the subject matter of the "Barrack-Room Ballads," and as a dedication to the reader.

Themes

One of the main themes of "L'envoi" is the idea of duty and loyalty. Throughout the poem, Kipling emphasizes the importance of serving one's country and following orders, even in the face of great danger or personal sacrifice. This theme is particularly evident in the second stanza, where Kipling describes the soldiers who "go to their death with a song on their lips."

Another important theme of the poem is the idea of empire and imperialism. Kipling was a strong supporter of British colonialism, and believed that the expansion of the British Empire was a moral and political imperative. This theme is evident in the third stanza, where Kipling speaks of "the flag that needs no brass to guide it."

Finally, "L'envoi" is a poem about the power of language and storytelling. Kipling was a master of the narrative form, and his works often emphasized the importance of storytelling as a means of shaping and transmitting cultural values. In "L'envoi," Kipling uses language and imagery to create a powerful and memorable portrait of the soldier's life, and to convey his own values and beliefs.

Analysis

The first stanza of "L'envoi" sets the tone for the entire poem, with its bold statement of purpose and its emphasis on the power of storytelling. Kipling suggests that his stories will live on long after he is gone, and that they will continue to inspire and guide future generations. This theme is reinforced in the second stanza, where Kipling speaks of the soldier's duty to his country and his willingness to risk his life for a cause greater than himself.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, with its celebration of the British Empire and its call to arms. Kipling suggests that the empire is a force for good in the world, and that it is the responsibility of every citizen to help maintain and expand it. This theme is particularly relevant in the context of Kipling's time, when the British Empire was at the height of its power and influence.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a more reflective and introspective moment, as Kipling contemplates the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. He suggests that even in death, the soldier's spirit lives on, and that his sacrifice is not in vain. This theme is reinforced in the final stanza, where Kipling speaks directly to the reader, urging them to remember the soldiers who have died in service to their country.

Interpretation

"L'envoi" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that raises important questions about duty, loyalty, and the role of the individual in society. Kipling's celebration of the British Empire may seem outdated or even offensive to modern readers, but it is important to remember the historical context in which the poem was written. Regardless of one's political views, however, there is much to admire in Kipling's mastery of language and poetic technique.

At its core, "L'envoi" is a poem about the power of storytelling and the importance of cultural memory. Kipling suggests that stories have the power to shape our lives and guide our actions, and that they can help us to understand the world around us. In this sense, "L'envoi" is not just a farewell to the "Barrack-Room Ballads," but a celebration of the power of the written word.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "L'envoi" is a masterpiece of poetic technique and meaning, and a testament to Kipling's skill as a storyteller and poet. The poem raises important questions about duty, loyalty, and the role of the individual in society, and celebrates the power of language and storytelling. While some readers may find its celebration of empire and colonialism problematic, there is much to admire in Kipling's mastery of language and his ability to create vivid and memorable images. Ultimately, "L'envoi" is a poem that speaks to the enduring human values of courage, sacrifice, and the importance of cultural memory.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry L'envoi: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling

Rudyard Kipling, the Nobel Prize-winning author, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is Poetry L'envoi, which is a masterpiece in its own right. This poem is a tribute to the art of poetry and the poets who create it. In this article, we will analyze and explain this classic poem in detail.

The poem begins with the line, "When I have drunk ale, I am a poet." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it highlights the connection between poetry and alcohol. Kipling is not promoting alcoholism but rather acknowledging the fact that many poets have found inspiration in the consumption of alcohol. This line also suggests that poetry is not just a skill but a state of mind that can be achieved through certain experiences.

The next few lines of the poem describe the different types of poetry that exist. Kipling mentions "rhyme and meter and style" and "free verse and blank." These lines show that there are different ways to write poetry, and each poet has their own unique style. Kipling is not suggesting that one type of poetry is better than the other, but rather acknowledging the diversity of the art form.

The next stanza of the poem is where Kipling really shines. He describes the power of poetry and how it can transport the reader to different places and times. He writes, "I have seen them ride the horses in the morning with the trumpets in their hands, at the rising of the sun." This line is a reference to the ancient Greek epic poem, The Iliad, which describes the Trojan War. Kipling is suggesting that poetry has the power to transport the reader to different times and places, allowing them to experience things they may never have otherwise.

The next few lines of the poem describe the emotions that poetry can evoke. Kipling writes, "I have seen them come with laughter and with tears, blessings on their heads, and a sword at their side." This line suggests that poetry can evoke a wide range of emotions, from joy to sadness, and everything in between. Kipling is acknowledging the power of poetry to move people emotionally.

The final stanza of the poem is where Kipling brings it all together. He writes, "When I am drunk with ale, I am a poet. When I am sober, I am a fool." This line suggests that poetry is not just a skill but a state of mind. Kipling is suggesting that to be a poet, one must be in a certain state of mind, which can be achieved through certain experiences. He is also suggesting that when one is not in this state of mind, they are not capable of creating poetry.

In conclusion, Poetry L'envoi is a masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling that celebrates the art of poetry and the poets who create it. Kipling acknowledges the diversity of poetry and the different types that exist. He also highlights the power of poetry to transport the reader to different times and places and evoke a wide range of emotions. Finally, he suggests that to be a poet, one must be in a certain state of mind, which can be achieved through certain experiences. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to move people emotionally.

Editor Recommended Sites

Flutter Assets:
Data Catalog App - Cloud Data catalog & Best Datacatalog for cloud: Data catalog resources for AWS and GCP
Learn DBT: Tutorials and courses on learning DBT
LLM Book: Large language model book. GPT-4, gpt-4, chatGPT, bard / palm best practice
Quick Home Cooking Recipes: Ideas for home cooking with easy inexpensive ingredients and few steps

Recommended Similar Analysis

Leaves Of Grass. A Carol Of Harvest For 1867 by Walt Whitman analysis
Dirge Without Music by Edna St. Vincent Millay analysis
To A Stranger by Walt Whitman analysis
Fragmentary Blue by Robert Frost analysis
On This Day I Complete My Thirty-Sixth Year by Lord Byron analysis
The Dalliance Of The Eagles by Walt Whitman analysis
The Negro Mother by Langston Hughes analysis
Rime Of The Ancient Mariner, The by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
Let it be Forgotten by Sarah Teasdale analysis
How To Paint A Water Lily by Ted Hughes analysis