My Boy Jack

Today's Movie

I watched this on PBS Masterpiece Theater this morning, and it stuck.  The film is based on Rudyard Kipling's poem, "My Boy Jack," about his son John, who went missing at the battle of Loos, in 1915 (famous as the first time the Brits used poison gas).  John was severely myopic, and turned down for service because it, but Rudyard pulled strings and got him into a regiment.  You can imagine. Very well done, and worth a rental IMO.  “ My Boy Jack by Rudyard Kipling “Have you news of my boy Jack?” Not this tide. “When d’you think that he’ll come back?” Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. “Has any one else had word of him?” Not this tide. For what is sunk will hardly swim, Not with this wind blowing, and this tide. “Oh, dear, what comfort can I find?” None this tide, Nor any tide, Except he did not shame his kind — Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide. Then hold your head up all the more, This tide, And every tide; Because he was the son you bore, And gave to that wind blowing and that tide! ”