Recessional by Rudyard Kipling
The poem reflects on the themes of faith, humility, and the transient nature of power and glory. It opens with a plea to a divine figure, invoking the historical relationship between the nation and its God, emphasizing the need for divine guidance amidst the challenges of leadership and warfare. As the poem progresses, it acknowledges the inevitable decline of empires and the futility of human pride. The imagery of fading navies and the fall of great cities serves as a reminder of the impermanence of human achievements. The speaker warns against the arrogance that can arise from military might and material success, urging a return to humility and reliance on divine mercy. The refrain, "Lest we forget," underscores the importance of remembering the lessons of history and the need for spiritual grounding in times of prosperity. The poem concludes with a call for mercy, highlighting the fragility of human endeavors and the necessity of divine protection and guidance. Overall, it serves as a meditation on the relationship between humanity, power, and the divine, advocating for humility and remembrance in the face of inevitable change.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1897 · Genre: Poetry, Religious, Patriotic · 318 words
First lines
(1897)
God of our fathers, known of old, Lord of our far-flung battle-line, Beneath whose awful Hand we hold Dominion over palm and pine -- Lord God of Hosts, be with us yet, Lest we forget -- lest we forget!
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Recessional is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1897 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: 1897 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Religious, Patriotic, Historical, Philosophical
- Length: 318 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs structured verse and rhyme, characteristic of the poetic genre.
- Religious — The poem addresses themes of faith, divine guidance, and humility before God, aligning it with religious literature.
- Patriotic — The poem reflects national pride and the responsibilities of a nation, making it relevant to patriotic themes.
- Historical — The references to historical empires and the consequences of power place it within a historical context.
Tags
poetry · Rudyard Kipling · faith · nationalism · imperialism · historical · religion · sacrifice · humility · remembrance · war · loss