Puck's Song
By Rudyard Kipling
See you the ferny ride that steals
Into the oak-woods far?
O that was whence they hewed the keels
That rolled to Trafalgar.
And mark you where the ivy clings
To Bayham's mouldering walls?
O there we cast the stout railings
That stand around St. Paul's.
See you the dimpled track that runs
All hollow through the wheat?
O that was where they hauled the guns
That smote King Philip's fleet.
Out of the Weald, the secret Weald,
Men sent in ancient years,
The horse-shoes red at Flodden Field,
The arrows at Poitiers.
See you our little mill that clacks,
So busy by the brook?
She has ground her corn and paid her tax
Ever since Domesday Book.
See you our stilly woods of oak?
And the dread ditch beside?
O that was where the Saxons broke
On the day that Harold died.
See you the windy levels spread
About the gates of Rye?
O that was where the Northmen fled,
When Alfred's ships came by.
See you our pastures wide and lone,
Where the red oxen browse?
O there was a City thronged and known.
Ere London boasted a house.
And see you, after rain, the trace
Of mound and ditch and wall?
O that was a Legion's camping-place,
When Cæsar sailed from Gaul.
And see you marks that show and fade,
Like shadows on the Downs?
O they are the lines the Flint Men made,
To guard their wondrous towns.
Trackway and Camp and City lost,
Salt Marsh where now is corn;
Old Wars, old Peace, old Arts that cease,
And so was England born!
She is not any common Earth,
Water or wood or air,
But Merlin's Isle of Gramarye,
Where you and I will fare.
Poem Analysis:
"Puck's Song" by Rudyard Kipling is a captivating poem that celebrates the timeless beauty and historical significance of the English landscape. Through vivid imagery and lyrical verses, Kipling pays tribute to the rich tapestry of England's past, from its ancient forests and meadows to its pivotal moments in history. The poem is narrated by Puck, a mischievous character from folklore, who invites the reader on a journey through time and space, showcasing the enduring spirit of England.
- The Ferny Ride and Shipbuilding: The poem opens with Puck drawing the reader's attention to the "ferny ride" that leads into the oak woods. This evokes images of lush, ancient forests. Puck suggests that the wood from these trees was used to build the keels of ships that played a role in the Battle of Trafalgar, a key naval engagement in British history.
- Ivy and Railings: Puck then directs our gaze toward ivy-covered Bayham's walls. The ivy is a symbol of nature's relentless reclamation of human-made structures. Puck tells us that the railings around St. Paul's Cathedral were once cast here. This juxtaposition of nature and human endeavor highlights the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life.
- The Dimpled Track and Naval Victories: Puck leads us to a "dimpled track" in the wheat fields, a path made by the wheels of wagons. He relates this track to the transportation of guns that played a role in defeating King Philip's fleet, referring to England's naval victories.
- The Weald and Historical Artifacts: The poem continues to reveal the secrets of the Weald, an ancient forest in Sussex. Puck mentions historical artifacts such as horse-shoes from Flodden Field and arrows from Poitiers, referencing significant moments in English history.
- The Little Mill and Domesday Book: Puck draws our attention to a small, busy mill by a brook. He suggests that it has been in operation since the time of the Domesday Book, a historical record commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086.
- Stilly Woods of Oak and Historical Battles: Puck invites us to admire the quiet oak woods and the mysterious ditch beside them. These woods are linked to the Battle of Hastings and the death of King Harold, reflecting England's ancient history.
- The Windy Levels and Viking Raids: Puck points to the windy levels around Rye, alluding to the Viking raids during the time of King Alfred the Great and the defense of England's shores.
- Pastures and the Birth of London: Puck reveals that the pastures, where red oxen now graze, were once part of a thriving city before London existed as we know it. This speaks to the evolving nature of human settlements.
- Mounds and Ancient Fortifications: After rain, Puck shows us the traces of mounds, ditches, and walls. These are the remnants of ancient fortifications created by the Flint Men, emphasizing the enduring marks of early civilizations.
- England's Rich History and Landscape: The poem concludes with a reflection on England's multifaceted past, encompassing wars, peace, and ancient arts. England is portrayed as a land of profound historical significance and natural beauty.
"Puck's Song" by Rudyard Kipling is a lyrical journey through England's history and landscape. Through the perspective of the mischievous Puck, Kipling invites readers to appreciate the layers of history embedded in the English countryside. The poem serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of England, where nature and history coexist harmoniously.