The Lament of the Border Cattle Thief
The poem presents the lament of a cattle thief imprisoned for his crimes. The speaker reflects on his past life of freedom and the joy he experienced, particularly in relation to his wife, who mourns his absence. He expresses deep sorrow over the loss of his weapons and the life he once led, emphasizing the hardships of imprisonment and the longing to return to his former ways. The thief acknowledges the mundane life of the farmers and the cattle they tend, but he feels a strong desire for revenge against those who have wronged him. He vows to retaliate against the farmers, particularly targeting the Jat, once he is free. The imagery of suffering and shame is prevalent, as he contemplates the brand of his crime and the weight of his chains. He expresses a fierce determination to reclaim his status and inflict pain on those who have caused him suffering. The speaker's thoughts turn to vengeance, promising to take more cattle than he spared in the past, indicating a shift from a life of charity to one of retribution. The poem culminates in a call to arms, as he urges a young Sahib to join him in his quest for revenge, detailing his plans to attack and the bloodshed that will ensue. The tone is one of defiance and anger, as the speaker embraces his identity as a thief and warrior, ready to fight for his honor and freedom. The work explores themes of loss, vengeance, and the harsh realities of life on the border, highlighting the cycle of violence and retribution that defines the speaker's existence.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Ballad, Historical Fiction · 466 words
First lines
O woe is me for the merry life I led beyond the Bar, And a treble woe for my winsome wife That weeps at Shalimar.
They have taken away my long jezail, My shield and sabre fine, And heaved me into the Central jail For lifting of the kine.
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The Lament of the Border Cattle Thief is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1890 CE.
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- Work type: Poem
- Author: Rudyard Kipling
- Date: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Ballad, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Tragedy
- Length: 466 words
- Structure: 1 section, 12 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, employing rhyme and meter, characteristic of poetry.
- Ballad — The narrative style and themes of lament and revenge align with traditional ballad forms.
- Historical Fiction — The poem reflects historical themes related to cattle theft and cultural conflicts in a specific geographical context.
- Adventure — The themes of conflict, theft, and the protagonist's quest for revenge suggest elements of adventure.
Tags
Rudyard Kipling · poetry · lament · border · cattle · theft · jail · revenge · war · sorrow · loss · identity