The Return Of The Children

By Rudyard Kipling

Narrative Poem
Neither the harps nor the crowns amused, nor the cherubs' dove-winged races, Holding hands forlornly the Children wandered beneath the Dome, Plucking the splendid robes of the passers-by, and with pitiful! faces Begging what Princes and Powers refused: "Ah, please will you let us go home?" Over the jewelled floor, nigh weeping, ran to them Mary the Mother, Kneeled and caressed and made promise with kisses, and drew them along to the gateway, Yea, the all-iron unbribeable Door which Peter must guard and none other. Straightway She took the Keys from his keeping, and opened and freed them straightway. Then, to Her Son, Who had seen and smiled, She said: "On the night that I bore Thee, What didst Thou care for a love beyond mine or a heaven that was not my arm? Didst Thou push from the nipple, 0 Child, to hear the angels adore Thee When we two lay in the breath of the kine?" And He said, "Thou hast done no harm." So through the Void the Children ran homeward merrily hand in hand, Looking neither to left nor right where the breathless Heavens stood still. And the Guards of the Void resheathed their swords, for they heard the Command: "Shall I that have suffered the Children to come to Me hold them against their will? "

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poignant poem explores themes of innocence, maternal love, spiritual authority, and freedom with a tone that is both melancholy and hopeful. Its narrative structure follows the journey of children in a celestial setting, longing for their earthly home. The children's innocence is highlighted by their lack of interest in heavenly splendors, and their plaintive request to return home serves as a powerful contrast to the grandiosity of their surroundings.

The use of biblical figures, particularly Mary and Jesus, adds depth to the poem's exploration of love and authority. Mary's assertive action in securing the children's release underscores her maternal love and compassion, a humanizing element in an otherwise divine environment. The conversation between Mary and Jesus further emphasizes the theme of maternal love, with Mary's reminiscing of Jesus's birth presenting a contrast between earthly and heavenly experiences of love.

Of note is the poet's use of literary devices like imagery and personification. The rich imagery of heavenly elements, such as the jewelled floor, cherubs, and all-iron door, help establish the surreal setting. Personification of the celestial guards and the Void injects a sense of dynamism into the narrative. The closing lines of the poem, featuring the divine command and the resheathing of swords, convey a reassuring sense of resolution, reinforcing the theme of freedom and the triumph of innocent desire over divine authority.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.