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Some wisdom from Kipling - Printable Version +- IOPList.Org (https://www.ioplist.org) +-- Forum: Off Topic (https://www.ioplist.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=25) +--- Forum: The Lounge (https://www.ioplist.org/forumdisplay.php?fid=26) +--- Thread: Some wisdom from Kipling (/showthread.php?tid=2000) |
Some wisdom from Kipling - Back2Good - 05-02-2016 Quote:If you can keep your head when all about you Note from b2g: Rudyard Kipling published this poem in 1910 and Ernest Shackleton already had a framed copy of it in the ship's library on his ill-fated expedition to the Antarctic in 1914. I myself keep a framed copy in both my office at my place of work AND my home office. I'm something of a Kipling fanatic, having been introduced to his work via a paperback anthology while waiting to be picked up at Omar Torrijos Airport, but of all his works, I think this may be his finest. RE: Some wisdom from Kipling - Linville - 05-02-2016 B2G I like this poem, If—Rudyard Kipling, 1865 - 1936 I was listening to the regular afternoon radio show host I like real well last week and he quoted from this exact poem....the first couple lines.....but, it is as they say, a classic for sure worth having. May I add one ...... Kipling The Power of the Dog Rudyard Kipling, 1865 - 1936 There is sorrow enough in the natural way From men and women to fill our day; And when we are certain of sorrow in store, Why do we always arrange for more? Brothers and Sisters, I bid you beware Of giving your heart to a dog to tear. Buy a pup and your money will buy Love unflinching that cannot lie— Perfect passion and worship fed By a kick in the ribs or a pat on the head. Nevertheless it is hardly fair To risk your heart for a dog to tear. When the fourteen years which Nature permits Are closing in asthma, or tumour, or fits, And the vet’s unspoken prescription runs To lethal chambers or loaded guns, Then you will find—it’s your own affair— But … you’ve given your heart to a dog to tear. When the body that lived at your single will, With its whimper of welcome, is stilled (how still!). When the spirit that answered your every mood Is gone—wherever it goes—for good, You will discover how much you care, And will give your heart to a dog to tear. We’ve sorrow enough in the natural way, When it comes to burying Christian clay. Our loves are not given, but only lent, At compound interest of cent per cent. Though it is not always the case, I believe, That the longer we’ve kept ’em, the more do we grieve: For, when debts are payable, right or wrong, A short-time loan is as bad as a long— So why in—Heaven (before we are there) Should we give our hearts to a dog to tear? RE: Some wisdom from Kipling - Back2Good - 05-02-2016 Nice find Linville - This one doesn't appear in many cheap anthologies, it's actually rather hard to find in print. Something about that man's writing just tears at my Scots / Irish soul, I can't get enough if it. |