A Carol by Rudyard Kipling (1902)
The narrative unfolds in a rural setting, focusing on the lives of the fenmen, who are depicted as struggling against the harshness of winter. The poem reflects on themes of faith, divine judgment, and the cyclical nature of life. The fenmen skate on ice and endure the cold, symbolizing their resilience and connection to the land. The central figure, a tree, personifies the suffering of nature, lamenting its fate in the frigid environment. The tree's wood, deemed worthless except for burning, highlights the harsh realities of survival and the necessity of finding warmth and joy amidst adversity. As the fenmen express their gratitude and seek divine protection, they invoke a sense of community and shared experience. The refrain emphasizes the acceptance of divine will, questioning human judgment in the face of God's authority. The work ultimately conveys a message of hope, suggesting that despite the trials of winter, the promise of spring and renewal is ever-present. The fenmen's prayers for guidance and protection reflect their desire for a moral and honest life, reinforcing the interconnectedness of faith, nature, and human existence.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1902 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Seasonal · 315 words
First lines
Our Lord Who did the Ox command / To kneel to Judah's King, / He binds His frost upon the land / To ripen it for Spring -- / To ripen it for Spring, good sirs, / According to His Word; / Which well must be as ye can see -- / And who shall judge the Lord?
When we poor fenmen skate the ice / Or shiver on the wold, / We hear the cry of a single tree / That breaks her heart in the cold -- / That breaks her heart in the cold, good sirs, / And rendeth by the board; / Which well must be as ye can see -- / And who shall judge the Lord?
What this Textopian page supports
A Carol is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1902 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1902 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Seasonal, Narrative, Philosophical
- Length: 315 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Carol by Rudyard Kipling
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices such as rhyme and meter.
- Religious — The themes revolve around faith, divine judgment, and moral reflection.
- Seasonal — The poem reflects on the transition of seasons, particularly winter to spring, symbolizing renewal.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story through its verses, depicting the experiences of the fenmen.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · Christmas · spirituality · nature · winter · faith · God · judgment · fens · tradition · community