My Boy Jack by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative centers on a mother’s anguish over her son, Jack, who is missing in action during World War I. The poem opens with her desperate inquiries about his fate, reflecting the uncertainty and fear that families faced during the war. The refrain emphasizes the hopelessness of receiving news, as the tide symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitability of loss. As the mother grapples with her emotions, she seeks solace in the idea that her son did not disgrace himself in battle. The dialogue reveals her struggle between hope and despair, underscoring the broader theme of parental sacrifice and the harsh realities of war. The imagery of wind and tide serves as a metaphor for the uncontrollable forces of fate and the relentless nature of time. The work explores themes of honor, duty, and the personal cost of conflict. The mother’s pride in her son’s bravery contrasts with her sorrow, highlighting the duality of love and loss. Ultimately, the piece captures the profound impact of war on families, illustrating the emotional turmoil that accompanies the search for answers in the face of uncertainty. The closing lines reinforce the idea that, regardless of the outcome, the bond between mother and son remains unbroken, emphasizing resilience amidst tragedy.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1916 · Genre: Poetry, War Literature, Drama · 176 words
First lines
'Have you news of my boy Jack? ' _Not this tide._ 'When d'you think that he'll come back? ' _Not with this wind blowing, and this tide._
'Has any one else had word of him? ' _Not this tide. For what is sunk will hardly swim, Not with this wind blowing, and this tide._
'Oh, dear, what comfort can I find? ' _None this tide, Nor any tide, Except he did not shame his kind -- Not even with that wind blowing, and that tide._
_Then hold your head up all the more, This tide, And every tide; Because he was the son you bore, And gave to that wind blowing and that tide! _
What this Textopian page supports
My Boy Jack is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1916 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: 1916 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, War Literature, Drama, Historical Fiction, Tragedy
- Length: 176 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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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 loss, sacrifice, and the impact of war, particularly World War I.
- Drama — The emotional intensity and dialogue-driven format suggest elements of dramatic literature.
- Historical Fiction — The context of the story is rooted in historical events, reflecting the societal impact of war.
Tags
loss · grief · war · family · sacrifice · hope · futility · memory · patriotism · identity · courage · longing