That Day by Rudyard Kipling (1926)
The narrative unfolds in a military context, depicting a chaotic and disastrous event during a battle. The speaker reflects on the overwhelming sense of despair and disarray among the troops, who are demoralized and disillusioned. The atmosphere is charged with fear and confusion, leading to a breakdown in discipline and order. As the battle progresses, the soldiers experience a collective panic, resulting in a retreat that is both chaotic and shameful. The speaker recounts the moment when the company commander resorts to violence, exacerbating the situation. The soldiers, overwhelmed by their circumstances, abandon their weapons and flee, leading to significant casualties. The imagery of the soldiers hiding and cowering like rabbits illustrates their desperation. The major and colonel express their frustration and hopelessness, highlighting the futility of their efforts and the lack of proper training and discipline within the ranks. The speaker acknowledges that the army's failures are well-known, despite the official narrative that presents a glorified version of events. In the aftermath, the soldiers are relegated to menial tasks, such as grooming camels, as a form of punishment. They receive medals for their supposed bravery, which serves as a bitter reminder of their shameful retreat. The speaker's repeated lamentation about wishing they had died rather than witnessed the events underscores the deep psychological scars left by the experience. The work captures the themes of cowardice, the harsh realities of war, and the disillusionment faced by soldiers. It critiques the romanticized notions of military glory, revealing the grim truth behind the facade of heroism. The speaker's raw emotions and vivid recollections serve as a poignant commentary on the human cost of conflict.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1926 · Genre: War Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Historical Fiction · 559 words
First lines
It got beyond all orders an' it got beyond all 'ope; It got to shammin' wounded an' retirin' from the 'alt. 'Ole companies was lookin' for the nearest road to slope; It were just a bloomin' knock-out -- an' our fault!
Now there ain't no chorus 'ere to give, Nor there ain't no band to play; An' I wish I was dead 'fore I done what I did, Or seen what I seed that day!
What this Textopian page supports
That 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: War Poetry, Narrative Poetry, Historical Fiction, Social Commentary, Tragedy
- Length: 559 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- War Poetry — The poem reflects the experiences and emotions of soldiers during war, capturing the chaos and despair of battle.
- Narrative Poetry — The work tells a story through verse, detailing a specific event and the thoughts of the narrator.
- Historical Fiction — The poem is set against a backdrop of historical military events, providing insight into the realities of war.
- Social Commentary — The poem critiques military discipline and the consequences of war on soldiers, highlighting themes of futility and suffering.
Tags
war · military · Kipling · poetry · loss · despair · courage · fear · retreat · violence · sacrifice · regret