The poem
There's a breathless hush in the Close to-night -- Ten to make and the match to win -- A bumping pitch and a blinding light, An hour to play and the last man in. And it's not for the sake of a ribboned coat, Or the selfish hope of a season's fame, But his Captain's hand on his shoulder smote "Play up! play up! and play the game!"
The sand of the desert is sodden red, -- Red with the wreck of a square that broke; -- The Gatling's jammed and the colonel dead, And the regiment blind with dust and smoke. The river of death has brimmed his banks, And England's far, and Honour a name, But the voice of schoolboy rallies the ranks, "Play up! play up! and play the game!"
This is the word that year by year While in her place the School is set Every one of her sons must hear, And none that hears it dare forget. This they all with a joyful mind Bear through life like a torch in flame, And falling fling to the host behind -- "Play up! play up! and play the game!"
This poem was introduced to me by my father when I was a young boy and it stirred my innards then. I have just read again after many years and I felt the same cold rush and goosebumps. Should be taught in all schools.
I'm sorry, but could this poem get any more corny? Ok, so it shows the "British" state of mind at the time of the first world war, but surely no-one was ever stupid enough to consider war to be like a game of cricket? Please! This is the biggest peice of proppaganda out there! apart from that; very nice. I do like the way that the poet doesn't attempt to pretend that the men fighting aren't the same kids that should still be playing cricket at schools. Shame no-one really listened.
No Elspeth, war is not like cricket, but the point of the poem is to inspire teamwork and to live by the rules. I learned this poem as a young ad in England 72 years ago and have never forgotten the words. I get upset when I see and hear the poor sportsmanship of the youth of today who seem to believe that they must win the game at any cost. They have not learned that they are expected to do their best but there must be a looser as well as a winner. The youth of today seem to have lost any moral standards and all they have on their minds is sex, violence and me, me, me. This poem should be posted in every locker room of every sport, no matter whether amateur or professional.
My thoughts of the poem are quite simple. The young lads who were forced to go to war (after having a game of cricket)HAD to go to war, they played the game with real guns, real bullets and they didn't all play cricket, this poem makes me really sad (and, I have to add, very proud) - there are so many widows left by war, I must add thatI am so relieved and very, very grateful that my son will (hopefully) never be called up, I would aldo add a HUGE thank you to all who gave their bit (this is not a patronising thanks, it is genuine) I am 47 years old and have always had respect.
As a child I was taught this poem by my mother as she tried to instill in me that I must never be a quitter. It worked.
Read this wonderful poem when I was in the 5th grade. Since then it has been my prayer every morning!!! Each word written has an apt meaning. I make it a point to recite it every time I take a new class. It helps me to maintain my dignity and have more clarity in life. Strong words "Play up, Play up & play the game" Team spirit, humbleness, gratitude, sense of sharing, humility, are all brought about in these three verses. And eventually tells us in the last line to share our experiences before we depart. Should be read by all!!
First heard this poem at a school Assembly. As I have aged(now 70) the underlying message has become even clearer. Do your best, encourage unity and strength in others, and always be true to yourself.
Vitai Lampada
If there is a throne of judgement and I have to give an account of my life, I will say that I tried to live by the precepts in this poem. It is about about honesty and integrity and truth. Eternal verities.