read

The Changlings by Rudyard Kipling

Image via Wikipedia

Readers,

As I sit at home, handicapped by my broken ankle, it’s becoming easy to think of things that I wish I could do.  Reading stories of travel and adventure help a little.

In one of my old books of poetry I came across this one from Rudyard Kipling.  I found it intriguing even though it’s not the first time I’ve come across the concept.  When we allow ourselves to enjoy the moment, to get lost in the moment, there are no differences between us.  We’re only held back by how we define ourselves.

As always, I appreciate your comments.

The Hatter

The Changlings

Or ever the battered liners sank
  With their passengers to the dark,
I was head of a Walworth Bank,
  And you were a grocer’s clerk.

I was a dealer in stocks and shares,
  And you in butters and teas;
And we both abandoned our own affairs
  And took to the dreadful seas.

Wet and worry about our ways–
  Panic, onset and flight–
Had us in charge for a thousand days
  And thousand-year-long night.

We saw more than the nights could hide–
  More than the waves could keep–
And–certain faces over the side
  Which do not go from our sleep.

We were more tired than words can tell
  While the pied craft fled by,
And the swinging mounds of the Western swell
  Hoisted us Heavens-high…

Now there is nothing — not even our rank–
  To witness what we have been;
And I am returned to my Walworth Bank,
  And you to your margarine!