April 13, 2012
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Prelude
(To Departmental Ditties)
I have eaten your bread and salt.
I have drunk your water and wine.
The deaths ye died I have watched beside,
And the lives ye led were mine.Was there aught that I did not share
In vigil or toil or ease,—
One joy or woe that I did not know,
Dear hearts across the seas?I have written the tale of our life
For a sheltered people’s mirth,
In jesting guise—but ye are wise,
And ye know what the jest is worth.by Rudyard Kipling
English poet, novelist,
short-story writer
1865 – 1936Today’s poetry selection came to my attention as I began to read a novel by George C. Roche III, who wrote much non-fiction. Kipling’s poem sets the stage for Dr. Roche’s (disguised) memoir, Going Home and I wanted to remember that.
It is always interesting to note what inspires writers, especially two of my favorite.
What poem would you select to introduce your writing?
