Half-Ballad of Waterval
The poem reflects the experiences of a prisoner who has endured the harsh realities of captivity. The speaker expresses a sense of disillusionment and sorrow as they recount their time spent in confinement, particularly at a place called Waterval. The imagery of laboring to pack a transport with prisoners highlights the grim nature of their situation, where the act of transporting individuals to foreign lands is devoid of joy. The speaker conveys a deep understanding of the emotional and psychological toll of imprisonment. They describe the shame and humiliation associated with being a captive, emphasizing the mocking laughter from guards and the disdain of society. The speaker's reflections reveal a contrast between their polite demeanor and the underlying bitterness of their experience. As the poem progresses, the speaker anticipates the fate of new prisoners, suggesting that they will face the same torment and despair. The repetition of the phrase "I have learned at Waterval the meaning of captivity" underscores the profound impact of their experiences, suggesting that the lessons learned are both painful and indelible. The speaker's desire to free others from the bonds of captivity illustrates a sense of empathy and solidarity with fellow prisoners. The mention of monetary value, specifically the gold of twenty Rands, serves as a metaphor for the worth of freedom, highlighting the desperation and longing for liberation. Overall, the work captures the essence of suffering, loss, and the harsh realities of life as a prisoner, while also conveying a sense of resilience and the enduring hope for freedom.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1935 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Social Commentary · 328 words
First lines
When by the labour of my 'ands I've 'elped to pack a transport tight With prisoners for foreign lands, I ain't transported with delight. I know it's only just an' right, But yet it somehow sickens me, For I 'ave learned at Waterval The meanin' of captivity.
Be'ind the pegged barb-wire strands, Beneath the tall electric light, We used to walk in bare-'ead bands, Explainin' 'ow we lost our fight. An' that is what they'll do to-night Upon the steamer out at sea, If I 'ave learned at Waterval The meanin' of captivity.
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Half-Ballad of Waterval is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1935 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: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Social Commentary, Colonial Literature, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 328 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- War Literature — The themes revolve around captivity, loss, and the experiences of soldiers, reflecting the impact of war.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques the treatment of prisoners and explores themes of shame and captivity.
- Colonial Literature — The context of the poem relates to colonial experiences and the implications of foreign rule.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · captivity · prisoners · Waterval · war · suffering · loss · shame · electric light · barbed wire · foreign lands