L'Envoi by Rudyard Kipling (1895)
The poem reflects a deep yearning for adventure and the call of the sea, contrasting the comforts of home with the allure of exploration. It begins with a nostalgic tone, evoking the end of summer and the transition to a new journey. The speaker urges a companion to leave behind the familiar and embrace the unknown, emphasizing the excitement of the "Long Trail," a metaphor for life's adventures. The imagery of nature and the sea is vivid, illustrating the beauty and challenges of maritime life. The speaker expresses a longing for the thrill of sailing, the camaraderie of a crew, and the freedom found on the open water. Each stanza captures different aspects of the journey, from the harshness of cold weather to the warmth of tropical nights, highlighting the diverse experiences encountered along the way. The poem also touches on themes of love and companionship, as the speaker addresses a beloved, inviting her to share in the adventure. The repeated refrain of the "old trail" signifies a return to familiar paths while simultaneously embracing new experiences. The journey is portrayed as both a physical and emotional quest, where the destination is less important than the experiences gained along the way. Ultimately, the work celebrates the spirit of adventure, the beauty of the natural world, and the bonds formed through shared experiences. It conveys a sense of urgency and excitement, urging the reader to heed the call of the sea and the adventures that await beyond the horizon.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Adventure, Romance · 1,146 words
First lines
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.
What this Textopian page supports
L'Envoi is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Adventure, Romance, Nature, Nautical
- Length: 1,146 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for L'Envoi by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
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Similar titles
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- A Song Of The Road by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Thorkilds Song by Rudyard Kipling
- The Far Farers by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Farewell by Robert Louis Stevenson
- The Wind Blew Shrill And Smart by Robert Louis Stevenson
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and meter typical of poetry.
- Adventure — The themes of exploration and journeying along various trails suggest an adventurous spirit.
- Romance — The poem addresses a 'dear lass', indicating a romantic element intertwined with the journey.
- Nature — The vivid descriptions of landscapes and natural elements reflect a strong connection to nature.
Tags
poetry · Rudyard Kipling · nature · adventure · journey · sea · nostalgia · exploration · freedom · travel · life · seasons