The Return of the Children
By Rudyard Kipling
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, O 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?'
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling’s poem "The Return of the Children" presents a poignant exploration of themes such as innocence, longing for home, and the compassionate nature of maternal love. Through its narrative style, the poem captures the emotional journey of children yearning to return to their earthly home from heaven, highlighting the contrast between celestial splendor and the simple, heartfelt desires of children.
Themes
- Innocence and Longing: The poem opens with children who are not captivated by the grandeur of heaven. Despite the harps, crowns, and cherubs, they feel a profound sense of longing for their earthly home. This innocence and yearning for familiar comfort underscore a child's simple desires that transcend even the most magnificent surroundings.
- Maternal Love: Mary, the Mother, plays a pivotal role in the poem, embodying maternal love and compassion. She responds to the children's pleas with tenderness, understanding, and decisive action, reflecting the boundless and selfless love of a mother. Her intervention to open the iron door of heaven and allow the children to return home illustrates the power and purity of maternal affection.
- Divine Compassion: The poem also touches on the theme of divine compassion. Jesus, observing the scene, smiles and acknowledges His mother’s actions. His rhetorical question about His own infancy reinforces the idea that the divine understands and sympathizes with the human need for closeness and familiar comfort, particularly that of a child for their mother.
Structure and Form
- Narrative Style: The poem is written in a narrative style, telling a story that unfolds in a series of vivid and emotionally charged scenes. This approach draws readers into the experiences of the children and the actions of Mary, creating a compelling and immersive reading experience.
- Rhyme and Rhythm: Kipling employs a regular rhyme scheme and rhythm that lend the poem a musical quality, reminiscent of a lullaby or a soothing tale. This rhythmic consistency enhances the poem’s emotional resonance and aligns with its themes of childhood innocence and maternal care.
Language and Imagery
- Vivid Imagery: Kipling uses rich and vivid imagery to paint the celestial setting and the children's journey. Phrases like "jewelled floor" and "dove-winged races" evoke the splendor of heaven, while "plucking the splendid robes" and "pitiful faces" convey the children's earnest pleas and emotional state.
- Symbolism: The "all-iron unbribeable Door" symbolizes the barriers between the earthly and divine realms, which Mary transcends through her love and compassion. The "breath of the kine" evokes the humble nativity scene, reinforcing the connection between the divine and the earthly, and emphasizing Jesus' humanity.
- Dialogue: The brief dialogue between Mary and Jesus adds depth to their relationship, revealing Jesus’ recognition and approval of His mother’s actions. This exchange highlights the continuity of love and understanding from the earthly to the divine.
Tone and Mood
- Compassionate and Tender: The overall tone of the poem is compassionate and tender. Kipling’s portrayal of Mary’s actions and Jesus’ response evokes a sense of warmth and empathy, reinforcing the poem's central themes.
- Reflective and Poignant: The poem also carries a reflective and poignant mood, particularly in its contemplation of the children's longing and the maternal love that transcends heavenly splendor. This mood invites readers to consider the profound connections between love, home, and the divine.
"The Return of the Children" by Rudyard Kipling is a touching narrative that explores themes of innocence, maternal love, and divine compassion. Through its vivid imagery, rhythmic structure, and poignant dialogue, the poem captures the heartfelt desires of children and the selfless actions of Mary, the Mother. Kipling’s narrative not only highlights the simplicity and purity of childhood longing but also underscores the profound empathy and understanding that bridges the earthly and divine realms. In essence, the poem is a beautiful meditation on the enduring power of love and the innate human yearning for home and comfort.
