A man’s destination is his own village, His own fire, and his wife’s cooking; To sit in front of his own door at sunset And see his grandson, and his neighbour’s grandson Playing in the dust together.
These lines describe the simple joys and contentment of a man’s life within the familiarity and comfort of his own village. It emphasizes the importance of home, family, and community, where he can find happiness in the small pleasures of everyday life, like sitting in front of his own house, enjoying a meal cooked by his wife, and watching the younger generation play together. It portrays a sense of belonging and fulfillment in the simplicity of one’s own surroundings.
Scarred but secure, he has many memories Which return at the hour of conversation, (The warm or the cool hour, according to the climate). Of foreign men, who fought in foreign places, Foreign to each other.
These lines highlight the experiences and memories of men who have fought in foreign lands, emphasizing the sense of connection and camaraderie that arises during conversations. Despite their scars, these men find security in the shared bond of their experiences, even though they may come from different backgrounds and cultures. The mention of the warm or cool hour depending on the climate suggests that these conversations can take place in different settings, but the common thread is the shared memories and understanding among these individuals.
A man’s destination is not his destiny, Every country is home to one man And exile to another. Where man dies bravely At one with his destiny, that soil is his. Let his village remember.
These lines suggest that a person’s destination in life is not necessarily predetermined or fixed. Each individual may find a sense of belonging and home in different countries, while others may feel like exiles in those same places. The notion of dying bravely and being at peace with one’s destiny is emphasized, indicating that when someone embraces their fate and feels a deep connection to a particular land, it becomes their true home. The importance of remembering one’s roots and the impact they had on their village is also highlighted, emphasizing the significance of personal history and heritage.
This was not your land, or ours; but a village in the Midlands, And one in the Five Rivers, may have the same graveyard. Let those who go home tell the same story to you: Of action with a common purpose, action None the less fruitful If neither you nor we Know, until the judgement after death, What is the fruit of action.
These lines emphasize the idea that the land itself does not define ownership or belonging. Whether it’s a village in the Midlands or one in the Five Rivers, the presence of a shared graveyard suggests a commonality among people, regardless of their origins. The message encourages those who return home to share stories of their actions and experiences, highlighting the importance of collective action and a shared purpose. It also acknowledges the uncertainty of knowing the true outcome or impact of one’s actions until the judgment after death. The emphasis is on the value of action itself, regardless of the immediate knowledge of its fruitfulness.
