To t. A by Rudyard Kipling (1926)
The work is a poem that serves as a tribute to an individual named Thomas. It expresses a blend of admiration and concern, highlighting the complexities of human experience, including joy and suffering. The speaker acknowledges the limitations of their own understanding while emphasizing the importance of personal truth. The poem conveys a sense of hope for future recognition and fair treatment, suggesting that there will come a time when Thomas will receive the respect and compensation he deserves. The speaker's wishes for Thomas's safety and well-being underscore a deep sense of camaraderie and support. Overall, the piece reflects themes of loyalty, the quest for justice, and the enduring nature of friendship, encapsulated in a lyrical format that combines personal sentiment with broader social commentary.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1926 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Inspirational · 141 words
First lines
I have made for you a song, And it may be right or wrong, But only you can tell me if it's true; I have tried for to explain Both your pleasure and your pain, And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you!
O there'll surely come a day When they'll give you all your pay, And treat you as a Christian ought to do; So, until that day comes round, Heaven keep you safe and sound, And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you! R. K.
What this Textopian page supports
To t. A 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, Literary Fiction, Inspirational, Social Commentary
- Length: 141 words
- Structure: 1 section, 2 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for To t. A by Rudyard Kipling
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering To t. A?
- How does this poem by Rudyard Kipling fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
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Similar titles
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- To A Friend by Fanny J. Crosby
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- Id Back Agen The World by Henry Lawson
- The Broken Men by Rudyard Kipling
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured as a song with rhythmic and lyrical qualities, characteristic of poetry.
- Literary Fiction — The themes of respect, personal struggle, and social commentary align with literary fiction.
- Inspirational — The message of hope and perseverance in the face of adversity suggests an inspirational genre.
- Social Commentary — The text addresses social issues related to treatment and respect, indicative of social commentary.
Tags
poetry · Rudyard Kipling · song · respect · Thomas · pleasure · pain · Christianity · hope · appreciation · farewell · life