Troopin' by Rudyard Kipling (1890)
The poem captures the sentiments of soldiers returning home after a lengthy deployment in a foreign land. It reflects on the relief and joy of being free from military service, as well as the bittersweet nature of leaving comrades behind. The soldiers express a sense of camaraderie and nostalgia, reminiscing about their experiences while acknowledging the hardships they faced. The narrative unfolds with the soldiers eagerly anticipating their return to England, highlighting the contrast between their current situation and the comforts of home. They sing about the ship that will take them back, emphasizing the finality of their departure and the emotional weight of leaving behind those who cannot join them. The poem also touches on the challenges of military life, including the harsh conditions they endured and the indifference of the authorities towards their well-being. Despite these hardships, the soldiers maintain a sense of humor and resilience, celebrating their impending return with cheers and camaraderie. As they prepare to leave, the soldiers reflect on their experiences, the new recruits who will take their place, and the enduring bonds formed during their service. The poem concludes with a hopeful tone, as they look forward to reuniting with loved ones and the simple pleasures of life back home.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1890 · Genre: Poetry, Military Literature, Historical Fiction · 504 words
First lines
(Our Army in the East)
Troopin', troopin', troopin' to the sea: 'Ere's September come again -- the six-year men are free. O leave the dead be'ind us, for they cannot come away To where the ship's a-coalin' up that takes us 'ome to-day. We're goin' 'ome, we're goin' 'ome, Our ship is at the shore, An' you must pack your 'aversack, For we won't come back no more. Ho, don't you grieve for me, My lovely Mary-Ann, For I'll marry you yit on a fourp'ny bit As a time-expired man.
What this Textopian page supports
Troopin' is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1890 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: 1890 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Military Literature, Historical Fiction, Narrative, British Literature
- Length: 504 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse form, employing rhyme and meter typical of poetry.
- Military Literature — The poem reflects themes of military life, service, and the experiences of soldiers.
- Historical Fiction — It captures the historical context of British soldiers returning home from service, reflecting on their experiences.
- Narrative — The poem tells a story of soldiers' emotions and experiences, characteristic of narrative forms.
Tags
military · homecoming · nostalgia · regiment · soldiers · sea · freedom · waiting · campaign · England · Kipling · poetry