The Native-Born by Rudyard Kipling
The poem celebrates the identity and pride of those born in a colonial land, contrasting their experiences with those of their English counterparts. It begins with a toast to the Queen and reflects on the deep emotional ties to England, despite the physical distance. The speaker acknowledges the cultural heritage passed down from their mothers, emphasizing a sense of belonging to the land where they were raised. The work highlights the connection to the native soil, asserting that their rights stem from birth rather than purchase. It praises the diverse landscapes and communities of the colonies, from the vast prairies to the coastal regions, and recognizes the struggles and triumphs of the people living there. The speaker calls for unity among the native-born, celebrating their shared experiences and the little things that matter in their lives. The poem also pays homage to the indigenous influences and the blending of cultures, acknowledging the past while looking forward to a collective future. It concludes with a strong affirmation of identity and pride, urging the native-born to stand together and celebrate their unique heritage. The repeated toasts serve as a rallying cry for camaraderie and resilience among those who share this identity.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1899 · Genre: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Colonial Literature · 1,174 words
First lines
We've drunk to the Queen -- God bless her! -- We've drunk to our mothers' land; We've drunk to our English brother (But he does not understand); We've drunk to the wide creation, And the Cross swings low for the morn; Last toast, and of obligation, A health to the Native-born!
They change their skies above them, But not their hearts that roam! We learned from our wistful mothers To call old England "home"; We read of the English skylark, Of the spring in the English lanes, But we screamed with the painted lories As we rode on the dusty plains!
What this Textopian page supports
The Native-Born is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1899 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: 1899 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Patriotic Literature, Colonial Literature, Lyric Poetry, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 1,174 words
- Structure: 1 section, 14 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
- Patriotic Literature — The themes revolve around national pride and identity, celebrating the native land and its people.
- Colonial Literature — The context reflects colonial experiences and perspectives, particularly relating to British colonialism.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem expresses personal feelings and emotions related to homeland and belonging.
Tags
nationalism · identity · heritage · patriotism · colonialism · belonging · cultural pride · land · home · community · tradition · celebration