The Settler by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative explores themes of reconciliation, renewal, and the transformative power of land. It begins with a settler reflecting on the scars of past conflicts, both personal and communal, as he cultivates the soil. The act of farming symbolizes a commitment to healing and atonement, as the settler vows to repair the damage inflicted by violence and strife. The settler envisions a future where he and his neighbors, once adversaries, unite against natural adversities such as storms and locusts. This collaboration signifies a shift from enmity to solidarity, emphasizing the importance of community in overcoming challenges. The imagery of planting trees and digging wells represents hope and the nurturing of life, contrasting with the destruction of war. As the settler recalls past grievances, he advocates for a collective amnesia regarding bloodshed, suggesting that the focus should be on future generations rather than historical animosities. The land, once a battleground, is now a space for growth and sustenance, where the fruits of labor can nourish all. The work culminates in a prayer for divine blessing on their endeavors, recognizing the labor involved in cultivating the land and the shared responsibility to provide for future inhabitants. The settler's journey reflects a broader narrative of humanity's capacity for change, emphasizing that through cooperation and dedication to the land, a legacy of peace and prosperity can be established.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1893 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical · 583 words
First lines
Here, where my fresh-turned furrows run, And the deep soil glistens red, I will repair the wrong that was done To the living and the dead. Here, where the senseless bullet fell, And the barren shrapnel burst, I will plant a tree, I will dig a well, Against the heat and the thirst.
Here, in a large and a sunlit land, Where no wrong bites to the bone, I will lay my hand in my neighbour's hand, And together we will atone For the set folly and the red breach And the black waste of it all, Giving and taking counsel each Over the cattle-kraal.
What this Textopian page supports
The Settler is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1893 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: 1893 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Historical, Nature Writing, Philosophical
- Length: 583 words
- Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of redemption, community, and the human condition are explored in a nuanced manner typical of literary fiction.
- Historical — The poem reflects on historical conflicts and the process of settlement, linking past and present.
- Nature Writing — The imagery of the land, agriculture, and natural elements is prominent throughout the text.
Tags
settler · Kipling · poetry · land · agriculture · redemption · community · nature · strife · peace · atone · harvest