Piet by Rudyard Kipling (1910)

Name: Piet
Author: Rudyard Kipling

The narrative follows a soldier's reflections on his experiences during a conflict, focusing on a character named Piet, a Boer soldier. The speaker expresses a complex mix of admiration and disdain for Piet, highlighting his resilience and skill in battle despite being an enemy. The poem captures the camaraderie and rivalry between soldiers on opposing sides, illustrating the absurdity of war and the shared humanity that persists even amidst conflict. Piet is portrayed as a resourceful and cunning fighter, adept at survival in harsh conditions. The speaker recounts various encounters with Piet, emphasizing moments of both competition and cooperation. The imagery evokes the brutality of warfare, with references to gunfire, the struggle for sustenance, and the harsh realities faced by soldiers. As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the futility of their conflict, recognizing that both sides have suffered and endured. The admiration for Piet grows, as the speaker acknowledges the skill and tenacity required to survive the war. The closing lines convey a sense of resignation to the consequences of war, with Piet emerging as a symbol of the resilience of those caught in the crossfire. Ultimately, the work critiques the nature of imperialism and the human cost of war, suggesting that valor and worth are not confined to one side of a conflict. The speaker's respect for Piet transcends national boundaries, revealing a deeper understanding of the shared struggles faced by all soldiers.

By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1910 · Genre: War Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Satire · 913 words

First lines

(REGULAR OF THE LINE)

I do not love my Empire's foes, Nor call 'em angels; still, What _is_ the sense of 'atin' those 'Oom you are paid to kill? So, barrin' all that foreign lot Which only joined for spite, Myself, I'd just as soon as not Respect the man I fight. Ah there, Piet! -- 'is trousies to 'is knees, 'Is coat-tails lyin' level in the bullet-sprinkled breeze; 'E does not lose 'is rifle an' 'e does not lose 'is seat, I've known a lot o' people ride a dam' sight worse than Piet!

What this Textopian page supports

Piet is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: War Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Satire, Colonial Literature, Character Study
Length: 913 words
Structure: 1 section, 7 paragraphs
Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)

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Similar titles

Genres

War Poetry — The poem reflects on the experiences and camaraderie of soldiers during wartime, highlighting themes of conflict and survival.
Narrative Poetry — The poem tells a story through its verses, focusing on the character of Piet and his interactions in a military context.
Satire — The poem critiques the absurdities of war and the nature of soldiers, using humor and irony to convey its message.
Colonial Literature — The poem is set against the backdrop of colonial conflict, reflecting the attitudes and experiences of British soldiers in colonial territories.