Gethsemane by Rudyard Kipling (1926)

Name: Gethsemane
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The poem explores themes of war, sacrifice, and the human condition through the lens of a soldier's experience. Set against the backdrop of World War I, it juxtaposes the serene imagery of a garden with the harsh realities of battle. The narrator reflects on moments of respite amidst the chaos, where soldiers gather, and a sense of normalcy is momentarily restored. The garden symbolizes a fleeting peace, contrasting sharply with the impending violence of war. The presence of a "pretty lass" serves as a reminder of life and innocence, yet the narrator's thoughts are consumed by the dread of what lies ahead. The repeated refrain of praying for the "cup" to pass signifies a desire to escape the burdens of duty and the fear of death. As the poem progresses, the inevitability of facing the horrors of war becomes apparent. The narrator's internal struggle is palpable, highlighting the tension between longing for peace and the harsh reality of combat. The imagery of gas masks underscores the constant threat of chemical warfare, a grim reminder of the era's brutality. Ultimately, the poem captures the essence of a soldier's psyche, grappling with the weight of responsibility and the haunting specter of mortality. The final lines convey a resigned acceptance of fate, illustrating the profound impact of war on the human spirit. The work serves as a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made by individuals in the face of overwhelming adversity.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1926 · Genre: War Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Historical Fiction · 182 words

First lines

The Garden called Gethsemane In Picardy it was, And there the people came to see The English soldiers pass. We used to pass -- we used to pass Or halt, as it might be, And ship our masks in case of gas Beyond Gethsemane.

The Garden called Gethsemane, It held a pretty lass, But all the time she talked to me I prayed my cup might pass. The officer sat on the chair, The men lay on the grass, And all the time we halted there I prayed my cup might pass --

It didn't pass -- it didn't pass -- It didn't pass from me. I drank it when we met the gas Beyond Gethsemane.

What this Textopian page supports

Gethsemane is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
Language: English
Genres: War Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Historical Fiction, Religious Themes, Narrative Poetry
Length: 182 words
Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for Gethsemane by Rudyard Kipling
Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
Readability and classroom-planning context
Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering Gethsemane?
How does this poem by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does War Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

War Poetry — The poem reflects the experiences and emotions of soldiers during wartime, particularly in relation to the horrors of gas warfare.
Lyric Poetry — The personal and emotional expression of the speaker's thoughts and feelings aligns with the characteristics of lyric poetry.
Historical Fiction — The setting and context relate to historical events, specifically World War I, providing a narrative that reflects on real experiences.
Religious Themes — The title and repeated references to 'Gethsemane' evoke themes of suffering, prayer, and the struggle with fate, linking to religious connotations.