Cells by Rudyard Kipling (1896)

Name: Cells
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The poem presents the perspective of a soldier reflecting on his experiences and misadventures, particularly focusing on his struggles with alcohol and the consequences of his actions. The narrator describes his current predicament of being imprisoned for drunkenness and resisting authority, highlighting a sense of regret mixed with bravado. He recounts his past, starting as a canteen porter and ending up in trouble due to a friend's influence and his own poor choices. The imagery of his disheveled state—using a second-hand overcoat as a pillow and having a view of the prison yard—emphasizes his fall from grace. The soldier acknowledges the repercussions of his behavior, including the loss of his military rank and pay, yet he takes pride in having left a mark on the corporal who confronted him. The emotional weight of his situation is underscored by the mention of his wife and child, who are affected by his actions. Despite his promises to abstain from drinking, he recognizes the cyclical nature of his behavior, suggesting a struggle with addiction and a lack of control when in the company of others. The refrain about facing punishment for his actions reinforces the theme of regret and the inevitability of repeating past mistakes. Overall, the work captures the tension between the soldier's bravado and the harsh realities of military life, illustrating the personal and social consequences of his choices. The tone blends humor with pathos, creating a vivid portrayal of a man caught in a cycle of self-destruction.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1896 · Genre: Poetry, Humor, Military Fiction · 519 words

First lines

I've a head like a concertina: I've a tongue like a button-stick: I've a mouth like an old potato, and I'm more than a little sick, But I've had my fun o' the Corp'ral's Guard: I've made the cinders fly, And I'm here in the Clink for a thundering drink and blacking the Corporal's eye. With a second-hand overcoat under my head, And a beautiful view of the yard, O it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C. B. For "drunk and resisting the Guard! " Mad drunk and resisting the Guard -- 'Strewth, but I socked it them hard! So it's pack-drill for me and a fortnight's C. B. For "drunk and resisting the Guard."

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Cells is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1896 CE.

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Work type: Poem
Author: Rudyard Kipling
Date: 1896 CE
Language: English
Genres: Poetry, Humor, Military Fiction, Social Commentary, Narrative
Length: 519 words
Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)

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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
Humor — The poem uses wit and irony to depict the absurdity of the narrator's situation.
Military Fiction — The themes revolve around military life, discipline, and the consequences of behavior within a military context.
Social Commentary — The poem reflects on social issues such as alcoholism and the struggles of soldiers.