Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Recessional" is a poem by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1897. The poem is a meditation on the theme of national pride and the transience of human power and glory, and explores the relationship between faith, humility, and the passage of time.

The poem is structured as a series of six stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the speaker's experience. In the first stanza, the speaker reflects on the way in which national pride can sometimes lead to arrogance and complacency, and suggests that even the most powerful empires are ultimately subject to the forces of time and history.

In the second and third stanzas, the speaker reflects on the way in which faith and humility can help to counteract the dangers of pride and arrogance, and suggests that these qualities are essential for maintaining a sense of perspective and balance in the face of the challenges of life.

In the fourth stanza, the speaker reflects on the way in which human power and glory are ultimately fleeting and transitory, and suggests that even the most powerful empires will eventually decline and fall.

In the final two stanzas, the speaker reflects on the need for humility and faith in the face of the uncertainty and complexity of the world, and suggests that even in the midst of turmoil and strife, there is still the possibility of hope and redemption.

Overall, "Recessional" is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the beauty and complexity of human life, while also acknowledging the transience and fragility of human power and glory. Through his use of vivid language and imagery, Kipling creates a sense of the transcendent and the sublime, and offers a poignant reminder of the enduring power of faith, humility, and human resilience to help us find meaning and purpose in the face of even the most difficult challenges in life.

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