A St. Helena Lullaby
By Rudyard Kipling
'How far is St. Helena from a little child at play?'
What makes you want to wander there with all the world between?
Oh, Mother, call your son again or else he'll run away.
(No one thinks of winter when the grass is green!)
'How far is St. Helena from a fight in Paris street?'
I haven't time to answer now — the men are falling fast.
The guns begin to thunder, and the drums begin to beat.
(If you take the first step you will take the last!)
'How far is St. Helena from the field of Austerlitz?'
You couldn't hear me if I told — so loud the cannons roar.
But not so far for people who are living by their wits.
('Gay go up' means 'Gay go down' the wide world o'er!)
'How far is St. Helena from an Emperor of France?'
I cannot see — I cannot tell — the crowns they dazzle so.
The Kings sit down to dinner, and the Queens stand up to dance.
(After open weather you may look for snow!)
'How far is St. Helena from the Capes of Trafalgar?'
A longish way — a longish way — with ten year more to run.
It's South across the water underneath a setting star.
(What you cannot finish you must leave undone!)
'How far is St. Helena from the Beresina ice?'
An ill way — a chill way — the ice begins to crack.
But not so far for gentlemen who never took advice.
(When you can't go forward you must e'en come back!)
'How far is St. Helena from the field of Waterloo?'
A near way — a clear way — the ship will take you soon.
A pleasant place for gentlemen with little left to do,
(Morning never tries you till the afternoon!)
'How far from St. Helena to the Gate of Heaven's Grace?'
That no one knows — that no one knows — and no one ever will.
But fold your hands across your heart and cover up your face,
And after all your trapesings, child, lie still!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling's "A St. Helena Lullaby" is a poignant poem that intertwines themes of childhood innocence, the complexities of adult conflicts, and the inevitability of fate. Through a series of rhetorical questions and responses, Kipling explores the contrast between the carefree nature of childhood and the weight of historical events, particularly those surrounding Napoleon Bonaparte’s exile to St. Helena, an island in the South Atlantic.
Structure and Form
The poem is structured as a dialogue between a child and an adult, creating a rhythmic lullaby quality that is both soothing and reflective. The use of alternating lines of questioning and response creates a back-and-forth dynamic that captures the tension between the child’s innocence and the adult’s heavy knowledge of the world. The repetitive phrasing, "How far is St. Helena," serves to anchor the poem, emphasizing the distance—both physical and metaphorical—between the child's innocent play and the adult world's tumult.
Themes of Innocence and Conflict
The opening lines set the stage for the contrasting worlds of childhood and adulthood. The child asks, "How far is St. Helena from a little child at play?" This question embodies a child’s innocent curiosity, blissfully unaware of the historical and political weight associated with St. Helena, where Napoleon was exiled. The child’s desire to wander reflects a longing for adventure, untainted by the harsh realities of life. The line "No one thinks of winter when the grass is green!" encapsulates the theme of innocence, as it speaks to the child’s focus on the present moment, oblivious to the inevitability of change and hardship.
As the poem progresses, the adult responses become increasingly laden with references to conflict, illustrating the gravity of the adult world. The repeated refrain of "How far" transitions from innocent queries about St. Helena to questions that involve battlefields like Austerlitz, Waterloo, and the Beresina. Each response reflects a significant historical event tied to war and conflict, suggesting that the child’s world of play is juxtaposed with the adult world fraught with violence and struggle.
Historical Context and Irony
Kipling’s references to historical events serve to ground the poem in a broader context. The battles mentioned—Austerlitz, Waterloo, and Trafalgar—are key moments in European history, primarily linked to Napoleon’s rise and fall. The poem’s adult voice reflects the weight of these events, emphasizing the burdens that come with knowledge. For instance, the lines "But not so far for people who are living by their wits" and "What you cannot finish you must leave undone!" introduce an ironic tone, as they imply that those embroiled in conflict are often at the mercy of circumstances beyond their control.
The repeated reassurances, such as “a longish way” and “a near way,” highlight the uncertainty inherent in the adult world. While the child views the world through a lens of simplicity, the adult recognizes the complexities and dangers that lie ahead. The phrase “When you can’t go forward you must e’en come back!” underscores the cyclical nature of struggle and retreat, a reflection on the consequences of war and the human condition.
The Transition to Mortality
The poem’s conclusion shifts from the historical to the metaphysical, as the final question posits, "How far from St. Helena to the Gate of Heaven's Grace?" This line introduces a sense of existential inquiry, contemplating the ultimate fate of the soul. The adult's inability to provide a definitive answer reflects the mysteries of life and death, suggesting that some distances cannot be measured or traversed.
The closing lines offer a tender yet somber lullaby, urging the child to “fold your hands across your heart and cover up your face.” This imagery evokes a sense of peace and resignation, as it signifies a surrender to the unknown. The juxtaposition of the child’s innocent play and the adult’s acceptance of mortality creates a poignant contrast, suggesting that while childhood is a time for exploration and adventure, it is also fleeting.
"A St. Helena Lullaby" is a multifaceted poem that captures the delicate interplay between childhood innocence and the harsh realities of adult life. Through its rhythmic structure, historical references, and themes of conflict and mortality, Kipling invites readers to reflect on the complexities of existence. The poem serves as a reminder that while the child may wish to wander freely, the adult world is fraught with challenges and uncertainties, culminating in the ultimate mystery of life and death. In this way, Kipling masterfully intertwines the themes of innocence, knowledge, and the inevitability of fate, crafting a lullaby that resonates with both beauty and poignancy.