Back to the Army Again
The poem depicts a soldier's return to military life after completing his service. The narrator expresses a sense of nostalgia and resignation as he finds himself back in the barracks, donning ill-fitting uniforms and re-learning the routines of army life. He reflects on the challenges of civilian life, feeling unprepared and lacking a trade, which leads him back to the army. The soldier recalls his previous service, acknowledging the benefits of military life, such as camaraderie and structure, contrasted with the difficulties of finding a stable civilian job. He humorously describes his interactions with the sergeant and the tailor, highlighting the familiarity of military customs and the ease with which he falls back into old habits. Throughout the poem, there is a recurring refrain about returning to the army, emphasizing the inevitability of his situation. The soldier grapples with feelings of inadequacy in civilian life, ultimately finding solace in the discipline and community of the military. The poem captures the cyclical nature of military service and the struggles of reintegration into civilian society, portraying a blend of humor and melancholy.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1895 · Genre: Poetry, Military Fiction, Humor · 949 words
First lines
I'm 'ere in a ticky ulster an' a broken billycock 'at, A-layin' on to the sergeant I don't know a gun from a bat; My shirt's doin' duty for jacket, my sock's stickin' out o' my boots, An' I'm learnin' the damned old goose-step along o' the new recruits!
Back to the Army again, sergeant, Back to the Army again. Don't look so 'ard, for I 'aven't no card, I'm back to the Army again!
What this Textopian page supports
Back to the Army Again is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1895 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: 1895 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Military Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary, Narrative
- Length: 949 words
- Structure: 1 section, 15 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
- Back To The Army Again by Rudyard Kipling
- The Volunteer by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
- Service Songs by Rudyard Kipling
- In The Interests Of The Brethren by Rudyard Kipling
- The Soldiers Song by Alan Monaghan
- A Medal Of Honor by Francis Hopkinson Smith
Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Military Fiction — The poem explores themes of military life, service, and the experiences of soldiers.
- Humor — The tone and language contain elements of humor, particularly in the portrayal of the protagonist's return to the army.
- Social Commentary — The poem reflects on societal views of military service and the challenges faced by veterans.
Tags
military · war · soldiers · camaraderie · duty · service · loyalty · adventure · bravery · sacrifice · identity · conflict