A Ballade Of Burial

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
"Saint Praxed's ever was the Church for peace" If down here I chance to die, Solemnly I beg you take All that is left of "I" To the Hills for old sake's sake, Pack me very thoroughly In the ice that used to slake Pegs I drank when I was dry, This observe for old sake's sake. To the railway station hie, There a single ticket take For Umballa, goods-train, I Shall not mind delay or shake. I shall rest contentedly Spite of clamour coolies make; Thus in state and dignity Send me up for old sake's sake. Next the sleepy Babu wake, Book a Kalka van "for four." Few, I think, will care to make Journeys with me any more As they used to do of yore. I shall need a "special" brake, 'Thing I never took before, Get me one for old sake's sake. After that, arrangements make. No hotel will take me in, And a bullock's back would break 'Neath the teak and leaden skin Tonga-ropes are frail and thin, Or, did I a back-seat take, In a tonga I might spin, Do your best for old sake's sake. After that, your work is done. Recollect a Padre must Mourn the dear departed one, Throw the ashes and the dust. Don't go down at once. I trust You will find excuse to "snake Three days' casual on the bust." Get your fun for old sake's sake. I could never stand the Plains. Think of blazing June and May Think of those September rains Yearly till the Judgment Day! I should never rest in peace, I should sweat and lie awake. Rail me then, on my decease, To the Hills for old sake's sake.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a reflective and somewhat sardonic exploration of mortality, nostalgia, and the desire for a dignified end. The speaker implores an unnamed audience to send their body to the hills, a place of peace, upon their death. This request indicates a longing for the past and a desire to return to a place of comfort in death. The repeated phrase "for old sake's sake" underscores this theme of nostalgia.

The poet's tone is casual and conversational, almost humorous at times, creating a dissonance between the subject matter and the manner of its presentation. The poet uses colloquial language and vivid, specific details to create a sense of place and character. Structurally, the poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme and rhythm, conveying a sense of inevitability and continuity that mirrors the cycle of life and death. The poem's vivid imagery and playful tone contrast sharply with its rather grim themes, resulting in an engaging and thought-provoking piece. The repeated request to make arrangements "for old sake’s sake" adds a layer of poignancy, suggesting a yearning for respect and recognition in death that may have been lacking in life.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.