I looked up the poem in the Definitive Edition of Kipling's verse, since
I was certain it was one of his own.
(An interesting diversion - does he ever quote from another author in
chapter or story introductions?)
Sure enough, it is there, headed, 'The Prodigal Son, Western Version
(enlarged from 'Kim")'. It's quite long, and I'm not sure whether
copyright rules would allow me to reproduce it all, so perhaps Mr.
Thomas can find a copy. The 'enlargement' is interesting, since it
carries the meaning totally away from its relevance in Kim, to an idea
more reminiscent of 'Thrown Away' in Plain Tales from the Hills - only
the poem has a less tragic outcome.
The 'Western Version' of 'Cain and Abel' which follows this poem in the
Definitive Edition is also interesting, with its very modern message of
water rights as a major cause of violence.
Liz Breuilly
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