Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.
Our Fathers Also
T
Are changing ’neath our hand.
Our fathers also see these things
But they do not understand.
Wit or the works of Desire—
Cushioned about on the kindly years
Between the wall and the fire.
Standeth no more to glean;
For the Gates of Love and Learning locked
When they went out between.
Signalled it was or told
By the dear lips long given to theirs
And longer to the mould.
Written it was or said
By the mighty men of their mighty youth,
Which is mighty being dead.
The Temple’s Veil they call;
And the dust that on the Shewbread lies
Is holy over all.
Of slow-conspiring stars—
The ancient Front of Things unbroke
But heavy with new wars?
Wit or the waste of Desire—
Cushioned about on the kindly years
Between the wall and the fire!