'Army Headquarters' by Rudyard Kipling
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Old is the song that I sing --
Old as my unpaid bills --
Old as the chicken that kitmutgars bring
Men at dak-bungalows -- old as the Hills.
Ahasuerus Jenkins of the "Operatic Own,"
Was dowered with a tenor voice of super-Santley tone.
His views on equitation were, perhaps, a trifle queer.
He had no seat worth mentioning, but oh! he had an ear.
He clubbed his wretched company a dozen times a day;
He used to quit his charger in a parabolic way;
His method of saluting was the joy of all beholders,
But Ahasuerus Jenkins had a head upon his shoulders.
He took two months at Simla when the year was at the spring,
And underneath the deodars eternally did sing.
He warbled like a bul-bul but particularly at
Cornelia Agrippina, who was musical and fat.
She controlled a humble husband, who, in turn, controlled a Dept.
Where Cornelia Agrippina's human singing-birds were kept
From April to October on a plump retaining-fee,
Supplied, of course, per mensem, by the Indian Treasury.
Cornelia used to sing with him, and Jenkins used to play;
He praised unblushingly her notes, for he was false as they;
So when the winds of April turned the budding roses brown,
Cornelia told her husband: -- "Tom, you mustn't send him down."
They haled him from his regiment, which didn't much regret him;
They found for him an office-stool, and on that stool they set him
To play with maps and catalogues three idle hours a day,
And draw his plump retaining-fee -- which means his double pay.
Now, ever after dinnger, when the coffee-cups are brought,
Ahasuerus waileth o'er the grand pianoforte;
And, thanks to fair Cornelia, his fame hath waxen great,
And Ahasuerus Jenkins is a Power in the State!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Army Headquarters by Rudyard Kipling
Oh, Army Headquarters! What a poem! What a masterpiece! Rudyard Kipling never fails to amaze me with his poetic skills, and this poem is no exception. Written in 1895, Army Headquarters is a tribute to the British Army and its fastidious system of bureaucracy. Kipling’s admiration for the military is evident in his words, and he captures the essence of what it means to serve in the armed forces.
The Poem - An Overview
The poem is split into four stanzas, each highlighting a different aspect of Army Headquarters. The first stanza introduces the reader to the clerks who work tirelessly behind the scenes to keep the system running smoothly. Kipling emphasizes their importance by comparing them to the ‘burnished arms and trappings of the troops.’ He acknowledges their hard work and dedication and reminds us that without them, the army could not function.
The second stanza is all about the paperwork, the never-ending piles of forms and documents that need to be processed. Kipling describes the meticulous attention to detail that is required and the strict adherence to procedure. He highlights the importance of accuracy in military matters, where even the smallest mistake could have disastrous consequences.
The third stanza is a tribute to the physical headquarters itself, the building that houses the army’s administrative offices. Kipling describes its grandeur and its imposing presence, reminding us of the power that the military wields. He acknowledges that it is a place of great responsibility and that those who work within its walls must carry out their duties with the utmost care.
Finally, the fourth stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the clerks who work within Army Headquarters. Kipling reminds us that they are the backbone of the military, the unsung heroes who keep the system running smoothly. He acknowledges their contribution and reminds us that without them, the army could not function.
Interpretation
Kipling’s admiration for the military is evident in Army Headquarters. He presents us with a highly romanticized view of the army, highlighting its strengths and downplaying any weaknesses. The poem is a tribute to the British Army, and Kipling’s patriotic fervor shines through in his words.
However, it is important to note that the poem was written at a time when Britain was a global superpower, and its military might was unquestioned. Kipling’s view of the army may have been colored by the political climate of the time, and his romanticized view may not be entirely accurate.
That being said, there is no denying the power and beauty of Kipling’s words. He captures the essence of what it means to serve in the military, the discipline, the attention to detail, and the sense of duty. His words are a fitting tribute to those who serve, reminding us of their sacrifice and their contribution to our society.
Literary Devices
Kipling employs a number of literary devices in Army Headquarters, which add depth and complexity to his words. Let us take a closer look at some of these devices.
Alliteration
Kipling uses alliteration throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and flow. In the first stanza, we have the phrase ‘burnished arms and trappings,’ where the repetition of the ‘b’ sound adds a pleasing cadence to the words. Similarly, in the second stanza, we have ‘the rolls and roars of musketry,’ where the repetition of the ‘r’ sound creates a powerful image in the mind of the reader.
Metaphor
Kipling uses metaphor to compare the clerks who work in Army Headquarters to the ‘burnished arms and trappings of the troops.’ This comparison highlights the importance of the clerks and acknowledges their contribution to the military. It also serves to elevate their status, placing them on a par with the soldiers themselves.
Imagery
Kipling employs vivid imagery throughout the poem, painting a picture in the mind of the reader. In the second stanza, we have the phrase ‘the red-taped files that burrow wheezing in the gloom.’ This image of files burrowing like worms is a powerful one, evoking a sense of the hundreds of documents that need to be processed every day. Similarly, in the third stanza, we have the image of ‘the metal doors that guard the nation’s treasures.’ This image highlights the importance of Army Headquarters and the sense of responsibility that comes with working within its walls.
Repetition
Kipling uses repetition to emphasize certain points throughout the poem. In the first and fourth stanzas, we have the repetition of the phrase ‘behind the scenes,’ which serves to highlight the importance of the clerks who work tirelessly to keep the system running smoothly. Similarly, in the third stanza, we have the repetition of the phrase ‘a house of a thousand souls,’ which emphasizes the grandeur and importance of Army Headquarters.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Army Headquarters is a poem that celebrates the British Army and its system of bureaucracy. Kipling’s words are a fitting tribute to those who serve, reminding us of their sacrifice and their contribution to our society. Through his use of literary devices, Kipling evokes a powerful image of the army and its headquarters, painting a vivid picture in the mind of the reader. It is a poem that continues to inspire and amaze, even after all these years.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Army Headquarters: A Masterpiece by Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is the Poetry Army Headquarters, which is a masterpiece that captures the essence of poetry and its power to inspire and motivate people.
The poem is a tribute to the poets who have served in the British Army, and it highlights the role of poetry in boosting the morale of soldiers during times of war. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a sense of urgency and excitement that captures the reader's attention from the very beginning.
The poem opens with a description of the Poetry Army Headquarters, which is a place where poets gather to write and share their works. Kipling describes the headquarters as a place of "magic and mystery," where "the muses of poetry hold their court." This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with references to the power of poetry to inspire and motivate.
Kipling goes on to describe the poets who serve in the army, and he paints a picture of them as brave and courageous individuals who are willing to risk their lives for their country. He describes them as "men of the sword and pen," who are "ready to fight and ready to write." This juxtaposition of the sword and pen highlights the dual nature of the poet-soldier, who is both a warrior and an artist.
The poem then takes a turn, and Kipling begins to describe the power of poetry to inspire and motivate soldiers. He describes how the poets use their words to "rouse the sleeping spirit," and how they "stir the blood and quicken the pulse." This imagery is powerful and evocative, and it captures the essence of the role of poetry in times of war.
Kipling then goes on to describe the different types of poetry that are used to inspire soldiers. He describes the "battle songs" that are sung before a battle, and the "marching songs" that are sung as soldiers march into battle. He also describes the "dirges" that are sung after a battle, as a way of honoring the fallen soldiers.
The poem then takes a more somber turn, as Kipling describes the toll that war takes on the poets who serve in the army. He describes how the poets are "haunted by the ghosts of the dead," and how they "struggle to find the words to express their grief." This imagery is poignant and heartbreaking, and it highlights the emotional toll that war takes on those who serve.
Despite the somber tone, the poem ends on a hopeful note, as Kipling describes the power of poetry to heal and to bring people together. He describes how poetry can "bridge the gap between the living and the dead," and how it can "unite the hearts of those who have been torn apart by war." This message of hope and unity is a powerful one, and it serves as a reminder of the enduring power of poetry to inspire and to heal.
In conclusion, Poetry Army Headquarters is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of the role of poetry in times of war. Kipling's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors creates a sense of urgency and excitement that captures the reader's attention from the very beginning. The poem highlights the bravery and courage of the poets who serve in the army, and it emphasizes the power of poetry to inspire and to heal. Overall, Poetry Army Headquarters is a timeless work of poetry that continues to inspire and to move readers to this day.
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