The Mother-Lodge
By Rudyard Kipling
There was Rundle, Station Master,
An' Beazeley of the Rail,
An' 'Ackman, Commissariat,
An' Donkin' o' the Jail;
An' Blake, Conductor-Sargent,
Our Master twice was 'e,
With 'im that kept the Europe-shop,
Old Framjee Eduljee.
Outside — “Sergeant! Sir! Salute! Salaam!”
Inside — “Brother”, an' it doesn't do no 'arm.
We met upon the Level an' we parted on the Square,
An' I was Junior Deacon in my Mother-Lodge out there!
We'd Bola Nath, Accountant,
An' Saul the Aden Jew,
An' Din Mohammed, draughtsman
Of the Survey Office too;
There was Babu Chuckerbutty,
An' Amir Singh the Sikh,
An' Castro from the fittin'-sheds,
The Roman Catholick!
We 'adn't good regalia,
An' our Lodge was old an' bare,
But we knew the Ancient Landmarks,
An' we kep' 'em to a hair;
An' lookin' on it backwards
It often strikes me thus,
There ain't such things as infidels,
Excep', per'aps, it's us.
For monthly, after Labour,
We'd all sit down and smoke
(We dursn't give no banquits,
Lest a Brother's caste were broke),
An' man on man got talkin'
Religion an' the rest,
An' every man comparin'
Of the God 'e knew the best.
So man on man got talkin',
An' not a Brother stirred
Till mornin' waked the parrots
An' that dam' brain-fever-bird;
We'd say 'twas 'ighly curious,
An' we'd all ride 'ome to bed,
With Mo'ammed, God, an' Shiva
Changin' pickets in our 'ead.
Full oft on Guv'ment service
This rovin' foot 'ath pressed,
An' bore fraternal greetin's
To the Lodges east an' west,
Accordin' as commanded
From Kohat to Singapore,
But I wish that I might see them
In my Mother-Lodge once more!
I wish that I might see them,
My Brethren black an' brown,
With the trichies smellin' pleasant
An' the hog-darn passin' down;
An' the old khansamah snorin'
On the bottle-khana floor,
Like a Master in good standing
With my Mother-Lodge once more!
Outside — “Sergeant! Sir! Salute! Salaam!”
Inside — “Brother”, an' it doesn't do no 'arm.
We met upon the Level an' we parted on the Square,
An' I was Junior Deacon in my Mother-Lodge out there!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling's poem "The Mother-Lodge" presents a nostalgic reflection on the camaraderie and brotherhood found within a Masonic lodge in colonial India. Through vivid character sketches and a conversational tone, Kipling explores themes of unity, cultural diversity, and the shared human experience that transcends religious and ethnic differences.
Characterization and Cultural Diversity
Kipling populates the poem with a diverse cast of characters, each representing different cultural backgrounds and professions within the lodge. Figures like Rundle, Beazeley, and Din Mohammed are depicted with a blend of affection and humor, illustrating the richness of the multicultural environment of colonial India. This diversity is celebrated as the speaker reflects on the shared bonds formed among the members, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs.
The mention of individuals from different religious and ethnic backgrounds—such as Babu Chuckerbutty, the Sikh Amir Singh, and Castro the Roman Catholic—underscores the theme of unity in diversity. By showcasing their interactions, Kipling highlights the essential humanity that connects people, suggesting that their shared experiences and values are far more significant than their differences.
The Theme of Brotherhood
Central to the poem is the theme of brotherhood, which is a foundational principle of Freemasonry. The speaker recalls the gatherings at the lodge, where discussions on religion and personal beliefs occurred freely and without animosity. The line “There ain't such things as infidels, / Excep', per'aps, it's us” conveys a sense of humility and self-awareness, suggesting that the members recognized their imperfections while valuing the bonds they had forged.
The shared rituals and practices within the lodge serve as a means of creating a safe space for open dialogue and understanding. This reflects Kipling's broader message about the importance of fellowship in overcoming societal divisions, particularly in a colonial context where tensions between different cultures and communities were often high.
Nostalgia and Longing
The speaker’s yearning for the Mother-Lodge is palpable throughout the poem, as he reminisces about the simplicity and warmth of the gatherings. The desire to return to this space is not just about nostalgia for the past; it also reflects a longing for the genuine connections and acceptance that the lodge provided. The lines “I wish that I might see them, / My Brethren black an' brown” reinforce this sentiment, as the speaker expresses a deep-seated desire for the community that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
Kipling’s use of local color—such as the references to "trichies" (a type of Indian bread) and "khansamah" (a cook or steward)—adds authenticity to the poem and enhances the reader’s sense of place. These details evoke a vivid image of the setting, grounding the poem in the specific cultural context of colonial India.
"The Mother-Lodge" is a celebration of fraternity, diversity, and shared humanity within the context of Freemasonry in colonial India. Kipling’s rich characterization, conversational tone, and exploration of cultural differences invite readers to reflect on the universal bonds that connect us, regardless of background or belief. Through nostalgia and longing, the poem underscores the significance of community and fellowship, suggesting that true brotherhood is not defined by external differences but by the shared experiences and values that unite individuals. In its portrayal of a multicultural environment, Kipling's work remains a poignant reminder of the power of unity in a diverse world.