The Second Voyage by Rudyard Kipling

Name: The Second Voyage
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative follows a group of sailors who have returned from a tumultuous journey, reflecting on their experiences and the lessons learned. They express a sense of weariness and disillusionment with the romantic ideals that once drove them to seek adventure. The sailors acknowledge the harsh realities of the sea, symbolizing the challenges of life and love. As they recount their past, they recognize that youthful exuberance and pleasure-seeking led them into perilous situations. The once vibrant imagery of love and beauty has been replaced by the starkness of survival and the wisdom gained from hardship. The sailors now prioritize safety and stability over reckless pursuits, guided by the principles of Custom, Reverence, and Fear, which serve as their new quartermasters. Despite their resolve to avoid further risks, there remains an undercurrent of nostalgia for the adventures of youth. They accept that life will bring unforeseen challenges, yet they choose to embrace a more cautious approach, allowing fate to guide them rather than actively seeking out danger. The sailors express a desire for companionship and connection, symbolized by the launch of new ships, each accompanied by a damsel, representing hope and renewal. Ultimately, the narrative conveys a theme of acceptance and the bittersweet nature of growing older, where the thrill of adventure is tempered by the wisdom of experience. The sailors find solace in the idea that love will always be a guiding force, even as they navigate the complexities of life.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1898 · Genre: Poetry, Romanticism, Adventure · 523 words

First lines

We've sent our little Cupids all ashore -- They were frightened, they were tired, they were cold; Our sails of silk and purple go to store, And we've cut away our mast of beaten gold. (Foul weather! ) Oh 'tis hemp and singing pine for to stand against the brine, But Love he is the master as of old!

The sea has shorn our galleries away, The salt has soiled our gilding past remede; Our paint is flaked and blistered by the spray, Our sides are half a fathom furred in weed, (Foul weather! ) And the doves of Venus fled and the petrels came instead, But Love he was our master at our need!

What this Textopian page supports

The Second Voyage is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1898 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: 1898 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Romanticism, Adventure, Lyric, Nautical
Length: 523 words
Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

Good citation fit

Work identity for The Second Voyage 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 The Second Voyage?
How does this poem by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhythm and rhyme, characteristic of poetry.
Romanticism — Themes of love and adventure are central, reflecting the ideals of Romantic literature.
Adventure — The narrative involves a voyage, suggesting exploration and the challenges of the sea.
Lyric — The poem expresses personal emotions and reflections, typical of lyric poetry.