A Song of Travel by Rudyard Kipling
The work explores themes of travel, exploration, and the passage of time, juxtaposing the grandeur of ancient civilizations with the inevitability of decay and oblivion. It reflects on the remnants of history, such as the lamp of Hero and the Argo, symbolizing lost journeys and the fading of once-great cultures. The speaker contemplates the futility of waiting for the past to return, recognizing that all that remains is dust and darkness. Despite this, there is a defiance against the constraints of time and fate. The speaker asserts that through art and creativity, humanity can transcend the limitations imposed by mortality and history. The imagery of the sun and the moon serves to highlight the cyclical nature of existence, while the notion of space as a tyrant suggests that physical boundaries can be challenged. The poem ultimately champions the spirit of adventure and the pursuit of new experiences, suggesting that even in the face of inevitable decline, the desire to explore and create remains a powerful force. The journey is portrayed as a means of overcoming the weight of history, with the road symbolizing both a literal and metaphorical path to new realms of possibility.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1913 · Genre: Poetry, Philosophical, Adventure · 265 words
First lines
Where's the lamp that Hero lit Once to call Leander home? Equal Time hath shovelled it 'Neath the wrack of Greece and Rome. Neither wait we any more That worn sail which Argo bore.
Dust and dust of ashes close All the Vestal Virgins' care; And the oldest altar shows But an older darkness there. Age-encamped Oblivion Tenteth every light that shone!
Yet shall we, for Suns that die, Wall our wanderings from desire? Or, because the Moon is high. Scorn to use a nearer fire? Lest some envious Pharaoh stir, Make our lives our sepulchre?
What this Textopian page supports
A Song of Travel is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1913 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: 1913 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Philosophical, Adventure, Romanticism, Historical
- Length: 265 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of travel and existential reflection.
- Philosophical — The poem explores deep themes of time, existence, and the human condition, prompting philosophical contemplation.
- Adventure — The theme of travel suggests a journey, both literal and metaphorical, aligning with adventure elements.
- Romanticism — The work reflects romantic ideals of nature, emotion, and the sublime, characteristic of the Romantic genre.
Tags
travel · journey · exploration · adventure · time · memory · history · desire · oblivion · creation · art · nature