Ubique by Rudyard Kipling (1940)
The poem explores the multifaceted meaning of a term associated with military artillery, particularly in the context of warfare. It begins with a playful examination of the pronunciation of the word, which serves as a motto for the Royal Artillery. The speaker elaborates on the various implications of the term, linking it to the experiences of soldiers in battle. Throughout the verses, the term encapsulates the essence of military life, from the technical aspects of artillery operation to the emotional and psychological toll of combat. It conveys the urgency and danger of warfare, highlighting the sounds and sights of battle, such as the flash of gunfire and the chaos of the battlefield. The speaker reflects on the camaraderie among soldiers, the grim realities they face, and the constant presence of danger. The poem also touches on the logistical challenges of military operations, including the movement of troops and equipment, and the unpredictability of war. The repeated use of the term serves as a reminder of the omnipresence of conflict and the shared experiences of those involved. The imagery evokes a sense of both dread and resilience, illustrating the harsh conditions and the determination required to endure them. Ultimately, the work captures the complexity of military life, blending technical jargon with the visceral realities of combat, and emphasizes the deep connection between language, experience, and identity within the military context. The term becomes a symbol of the soldiers' shared struggles and triumphs, encapsulating the essence of their existence in a world defined by conflict.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1940 · Genre: War Poetry, Military Literature, Lyric Poetry · 513 words
First lines
There is a word you often see, pronounce it as you may -- ‘You bike,' ‘you bykwe,' ‘ubbikwe' -- alludin' to R. A. It serves 'Orse, Field, an' Garrison as motto for a crest, An' when you've found out all it means I'll tell you 'alf the rest.
Ubique means the long-range Krupp be'ind the low-range 'ill -- Ubique means you'll pick it up an' while you do stand still. Ubique means you've caught the flash an' timed it by the sound. Ubique means five gunners' 'ash before you've loosed a round.
What this Textopian page supports
Ubique is listed on Textopian as a poem by Rudyard Kipling, dated 1940 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: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: War Poetry, Military Literature, Lyric Poetry, British Literature, Narrative Poetry
- Length: 513 words
- Structure: 1 section, 8 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Ubique by Rudyard Kipling
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- War Poetry — The poem reflects the experiences and terminology of soldiers in warfare, focusing on the realities of battle.
- Military Literature — The content is deeply rooted in military themes, discussing artillery and the experiences of soldiers.
- Lyric Poetry — The poem employs a lyrical style, using rhythm and sound to convey emotion and imagery.
- British Literature — The work is by Rudyard Kipling, a prominent British author, and reflects British cultural and historical contexts.
Tags
war · military · artillery · Kipling · poetry · British · colonial · gunners · battlefield · courage · sacrifice · identity