
The work is a call to arms, reflecting the urgency and gravity of war. It emphasizes the sacrifices required to protect one's homeland and future generations. The speaker urges individuals to rise against the threat posed by an enemy, highlighting the collapse of a once stable world into chaos and violence. The poem conveys a sense of loss, as the comforts and achievements of civilization are rendered meaningless in the face of conflict. It underscores the enduring nature of moral imperatives, urging courage and strength in the face of adversity. The repetition of the phrase "the old Commandments stand" reinforces the idea that fundamental values remain constant, even amidst turmoil. The narrative progresses to acknowledge the harsh realities of war, rejecting false hopes and emphasizing the necessity of genuine sacrifice. It presents a stark choice: to fight for freedom or face the consequences of inaction. The work culminates in a rallying cry for unity and resolve, asserting that the fight for liberty is a collective responsibility, with each individual playing a crucial role in the struggle for survival and dignity.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1943 · Genre: War Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Lyric Poetry · 350 words
1914.
For all we have and are, For all our children's fate, Stand up and take the war, The Hun is at the gate! Our world has passed away, In wantonness o'erthrown. There is nothing left to-day But steel and fire and stone! Though all we knew depart, The old Commandments stand: -- 'In courage keep your heart, In strength lift up your hand.'
For all we have and Are is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1943 CE.
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war · sacrifice · freedom · courage · strength · patriotism · duty · suffering · resilience · commandments · nationalism · humanity