Download The Years Between by Rudyard Kipling. Available in PDF, EPUB, and MOBI formats. Enjoy a summary, excerpt, and related recommendations.
The Years Between Summary
The Years Between is a collection of poems by Rudyard Kipling, first published in 1919. The anthology reflects on the period between the Boer War and the aftermath of World War I, capturing themes of loss, patriotism, and societal change. Notable poems include 'The Female of the Species' and 'For All We Have and Are.'
The Years Between Excerpt
Short Summary: This collection of poems delves into the societal and emotional landscape of the early 20th century, reflecting on the impacts of war and the passage of time.
Excerpt from 'For All We Have and Are'
'For all we have and are,For all our children's fate,Stand up and take the war.The Hun is at the gate!Our world has passed awayIn wantonness o'erthrown.There is nothing left to-dayBut steel and fire and stone.'
This opening stanza from 'For All We Have and Are' encapsulates the urgency and gravity of the times, urging unity and resilience in the face of adversity.
Excerpt from 'The Female of the Species'
'When the Himalayan peasant meets the he-bear in his pride,He shouts to scare the monster, who will often turn aside.But the she-bear thus accosted rends the peasant tooth and nail.For the female of the species is more deadly than the male.'
This excerpt from 'The Female of the Species' highlights Kipling's exploration of inherent ferocity and protective instincts, using vivid imagery to convey his observations.
Excerpt from 'The Sons of Martha'
'They do not preach that their God will rouse them a little before the nuts work loose.They do not teach that His Pity allows them to drop their job when they damn-well choose.As in the thronged and the lighted ways, so in the dark and the desert they stand,Wary and watchful all their days that their brethren's days may be long in the land.'
In 'The Sons of Martha,' Kipling pays tribute to the diligent workers who uphold society's functions, emphasizing their unwavering commitment and the often-overlooked value of their labor.
Excerpt from 'Mesopotamia'
'They shall not return to us, the resolute, the young,The eager and whole-hearted whom we gave:But the men who left them thriftily to die in their own dung,Shall they come with years and honour to the grave?'
'Mesopotamia' reflects on the futility and tragedy of war, mourning the loss of the young and questioning the accountability of those who orchestrated such conflicts.
Excerpt from 'Gehazi'
'1913'Whence comest thou, Gehazi,So reverend to behold,In scarlet and in erminesAnd chain of England's gold?'
The poem 'Gehazi' draws a parallel between the biblical figure and contemporary figures, critiquing hypocrisy and moral corruption in society.
These excerpts from 'The Years Between' offer a glimpse into Kipling's contemplations on human nature, societal roles, and the profound impacts of global events during the early 20th century.
