The Children's Song (Poem by Rudyard Kipling)

The Children's Song

By Rudyard Kipling

Land of our Birth, we pledge to thee

Our love and toil in the years to be;

When we are grown and take our place,

As men and women with our race.

Father in Heaven who lovest all,

Oh help Thy children when they call;

That they may build from age to age,

An undefilèd heritage.

Teach us to bear the yoke in youth,

With steadfastness and careful truth;

That, in our time, Thy Grace may give

The Truth whereby the Nations live.

Teach us to rule ourselves alway,

Controlled and cleanly night and day;

That we may bring, if need arise.

No maimed or worthless sacrifice.

Teach us to look in all our ends,

On Thee for judge, and not our friends;

That we, with Thee, may walk uncowed

By fear or favour of the crowd.

Teach us the Strength that cannot seek,

By deed or thought, to hurt the weak;

That, under Thee, we may possess

Man's strength to comfort man's distress.

Teach us Delight in simple things,

And Mirth that has no bitter springs;

Forgiveness free of evil done,

And Love to all men 'neath the sun!

Land of our Birth, our faith, our pride,

For whose dear sake our fathers died;

O Motherland, we pledge to thee,

Head, heart, and hand through the years to be!

Poem Analysis:

Rudyard Kipling's "The Children's Song" is a patriotic and aspirational poem that pledges loyalty, responsibility, and virtue to one's homeland. Through its verses, Kipling articulates a set of moral and ethical principles that he believes should guide the conduct of the citizens of a nation.

Affirmation of Loyalty: The poem begins with a declaration of allegiance to the land of one's birth. It expresses a commitment to love and labor for the nation, both in the present and in the future. The pledge to contribute to the well-being and progress of the country underscores a sense of duty and belonging.

Invocation for Divine Guidance: Kipling invokes the heavenly Father, appealing for divine assistance and guidance for the nation's children. The prayerful tone suggests a recognition of human limitations and a reliance on spiritual support to navigate life's challenges and fulfill one's responsibilities.

Emphasis on Virtue and Integrity: The poem underscores the importance of moral and ethical conduct in shaping individual character and national identity. It advocates for qualities such as steadfastness, truthfulness, self-control, and cleanliness in thought and action. The emphasis on integrity reflects Kipling's belief in the foundational role of virtue in building a strong and prosperous society.

Call for Just Governance: Kipling calls for responsible self-governance, urging individuals to uphold principles of justice, fairness, and accountability in their interactions with others and in the administration of public affairs. The poem emphasizes the need for individuals to seek guidance from higher ideals rather than succumbing to the influence of popular opinion or personal biases.

Promotion of Compassion and Harmony: The poem advocates for compassion, forgiveness, and goodwill towards all humanity. It encourages individuals to find joy in simple pleasures, to extend forgiveness for wrongs committed, and to embrace love and solidarity with fellow human beings irrespective of differences.

Reverence for Ancestral Sacrifice: Kipling concludes with a tribute to the sacrifices made by previous generations for the sake of their homeland. He invokes a sense of pride and gratitude for the legacy inherited from forefathers, reaffirming the commitment to honor their memory through dedicated service and devotion.

In summary, "The Children's Song" by Rudyard Kipling serves as a moral compass for individuals and nations alike, promoting values of loyalty, virtue, justice, compassion, and gratitude. It resonates as a timeless reminder of the responsibilities and aspirations that accompany citizenship and the enduring bond between individuals and their homeland.