That Day
By Rudyard Kipling
It got beyond all orders an' it got beyond all 'ope;
It got to shammin' wounded an' retirin' from the 'alt.
'Ole companies was lookin' for the nearest road to slope;
It were just a bloomin' knock-out — an' our fault!
Now there ain't no chorus 'ere to give,
Nor there ain't no band to play;
An' I wish I was dead 'fore I done what I did,
Or seen what I seed that day!
We was sick o' bein' punished, an' we let 'em know it, too;
An' a company-commander up an' 'it us with a sword,
An' some one shouted “'Ook it!” an' it come to sove-ki-poo,
An' we chucked our rifles from us — O my Gawd!
There was thirty dead an' wounded on the ground we wouldn't keep —
No, there wasn't more than twenty when the front begun to go;
But, Christ! along the line o' flight they cut us up like sheep,
An' that was all we gained by doin' so.
I 'eard the knives be'ind me, but I dursn't face my man,
Nor I don't know where I went to, 'cause I didn't 'alt to see,
Till I 'eard a beggar squealin' out for quarter as 'e ran,
An' I thought I knew the voice an' — it was me!
We was 'idin' under bedsteads more than 'arf a march away;
We was lyin' up like rabbits all about the countryside;
An' the major cursed 'is Maker 'cause 'e lived to see that day,
An' the colonel broke 'is sword acrost, an' cried.
We was rotten 'fore we started — we was never disciplined;
We made it out a favour if an order was obeyed;
Yes, every little drummer 'ad 'is rights an' wrongs to mind,
So we had to pay for teachin' — an' we paid!
The papers 'id it 'andsome, but you know the Army knows;
We was put to groomin' camels till the regiments withdrew,
An' they gave us each a medal for subduin' England's foes,
An' I 'ope you like my song — because it's true!
An' there ain't no chorus 'ere to give,
Nor there ain't no band to play;
But I wish I was dead 'fore I done what I did,
Or seen what I seed that day!
Poem Analysis:
Rudyard Kipling, renowned for his unflinching portrayal of the harsh realities of war, delivers a poignant and visceral account in his poem "That Day." The piece captures the disintegration of discipline and morale within a military unit, exploring the consequences of insubordination and the brutal aftermath of a failed offensive. Through the eyes of a remorseful soldier, Kipling offers a candid reflection on the chaos and consequences of that fateful day.
- Descent into Chaos: The poem opens with a sense of disarray, as the soldiers express discontentment and a desire to escape punishment. The breach of orders and the decision to abandon their posts mark the descent into chaos. Kipling uses colloquial language to convey the soldiers' disillusionment and contempt for their superiors.
- The Moment of Breakdown: Amid the disobedience, a pivotal moment occurs when the soldiers throw down their rifles, an act symbolic of their collective breakdown. The chaos intensifies, and the poem vividly describes the ensuing carnage. Kipling's portrayal of the situation emphasizes the rapid unraveling of the military unit, leaving them vulnerable and exposed.
- Regret and Horror: The narrator reflects on the consequences of their actions as they witness the brutal aftermath. The poem masterfully conveys the regret and horror experienced by the soldiers as they confront the reality of the violence they unleashed. Kipling delves into the psychological toll of warfare, capturing the disorientation and trauma endured by those who participate in such chaotic events.
- The Individual Amidst the Chaos: Amid the chaos, Kipling introduces a powerful moment of self-realization. The narrator recognizes their own voice pleading for mercy, encapsulating the vulnerability of an individual amidst the collective breakdown. This personal revelation adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the impact of war on the individual psyche.
- The Failed Discipline and Consequences: Kipling critiques the lack of discipline within the military unit, emphasizing the repercussions of their insubordination. The breakdown of order leads to devastating consequences, with the soldiers paying a heavy price for their actions. The poet's commentary on the state of military discipline serves as a larger reflection on the cost of disobedience in the face of the enemy.
"That Day" stands as a stark and unapologetic exploration of the chaos, regret, and consequences that follow insubordination in the military. Rudyard Kipling's evocative language and vivid imagery provide readers with a haunting portrayal of the brutal realities faced by soldiers who abandon their posts. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the toll of war on both collective and individual psyches, leaving an indelible mark on the reader's consciousness.