A Pict Song by Rudyard Kipling
The poem presents a perspective of the marginalized and overlooked, referred to as the "Little Folk," who exist beneath the oppressive weight of a powerful entity, symbolized by Rome. The Little Folk express their frustration and resentment towards the indifference of the ruling class, which tramples on their lives without regard for their suffering. They acknowledge their lack of physical strength but emphasize their cunning and ability to undermine the powerful through subtle, insidious means. The Little Folk compare themselves to various forms of decay and destruction, such as worms, rot, and germs, illustrating their role as a persistent, albeit unnoticed, force that can erode the foundations of authority. They take pride in their ability to work quietly and effectively, hinting at a potential uprising or rebellion that could arise from their collective discontent. Despite their status as slaves, the Little Folk find empowerment in their unity and the knowledge that they can influence the fate of the powerful. They express a desire for revenge, suggesting that while they may suffer, the shame and downfall of their oppressors will ultimately bring them satisfaction. The poem concludes with a defiant assertion of identity and purpose, reinforcing the idea that even the smallest and weakest can have a significant impact on the world around them.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1885 · Genre: Poetry, Satire, Political Commentary · 343 words
First lines
Rome never looks where she treads. Always her heavy hooves fall, On our stomachs, our hearts or our heads; And Rome never heeds when we bawl. Her sentries pass on -- that is all, And we gather behind them in hordes, And plot to reconquer the Wall, With only our tongues for our swords.
We are the Little Folk -- we! Too little to love or to hate. Leave us alone and you'll see How we can drag down the State! We are the worm in the wood! We are the rot at the root! We are the germ in the blood! We are the thorn in the foot!
What this Textopian page supports
A Pict Song is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1885 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1885 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Satire, Political Commentary, Fantasy, Allegory
- Length: 343 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Pict Song by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Pict Song?
- How does this poem by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Satire On The Heads Of Houses by Thomas Gray
- Et Dona Ferentes by Rudyard Kipling
- To The Creditor by Oliver Herford
- To A Censor by Ambrose Bierce
- Fuzzy Wuzzy by Rudyard Kipling
- M I by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is a poem that employs rhythm, meter, and figurative language to convey its themes.
- Satire — The poem critiques power dynamics and the indifference of the powerful towards the powerless.
- Political Commentary — It addresses themes of oppression, rebellion, and the impact of the 'little folk' on larger societal structures.
- Fantasy — The personification of the 'Little Folk' and their mythical qualities lend a fantastical element to the narrative.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · satire · political commentary · social critique · power dynamics · oppression · rebellion · underdogs · resistance · metaphor · imagery