Shillin' a Day by Rudyard Kipling
The narrative follows O'Kelly, a former troop sergeant major reflecting on his life and experiences in the military. He recounts his travels across various locations, highlighting the hardships and dangers he faced, including encounters with disease and death. Now retired and struggling, he laments his current situation, reduced to earning a meager shilling a day. O'Kelly reminisces about the camaraderie and thrill of his past, contrasting it with his present state of anxiety and financial insecurity. He expresses a sense of nostalgia for the days of bravery and adventure, where life was uncertain but filled with purpose. His wife is forced to take on work to support them, emphasizing their dire circumstances. The refrain underscores his longing for recognition and assistance, as he appeals to those who might remember his service. The work captures themes of loss, the passage of time, and the stark realities faced by veterans after their service ends. O'Kelly's story is a poignant reflection on the sacrifices made in the name of duty and the often unacknowledged struggles that follow.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Military Fiction, Historical Fiction · 339 words
First lines
My name is O'Kelly, I've heard the Revelly From Birr to Bareilly, from Leeds to Lahore, Hong-Kong and Peshawur, Lucknow and Etawah, And fifty-five more all endin' in "pore". Black Death and his quickness, the depth and the thickness, Of sorrow and sickness I've known on my way, But I'm old and I'm nervis, I'm cast from the Service, And all I deserve is a shillin' a day. (_Chorus_) Shillin' a day, Bloomin' good pay -- Lucky to touch it, a shillin' a day!
What this Textopian page supports
Shillin' a Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1926 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: 1926 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Military Fiction, Historical Fiction, Humor, Social Commentary
- Length: 339 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, utilizing rhyme and rhythm typical of poetry.
- Military Fiction — The themes revolve around military life, service, and the experiences of a soldier.
- Historical Fiction — The setting and references to historical military contexts suggest a historical backdrop.
- Humor — The tone and some elements of the narrative convey a sense of humor regarding the soldier's plight.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · British literature · military · nostalgia · service · pension · life experiences · humor · sorrow · identity · colonialism