Author: Rudyard Kipling
We are very slightly changed From the semi-apes who ranged India's Prehistoric clay; He that drew the longest bow Ran his brother down, you know, As we run men down to-tday. "Dowb," the first of all his race, Met the Mammoth face to face On the lake or in the cave: Stole the steadiest canoe, Ate the quarry others slew, Died and took the finest grave. When they scratched the reindeer-bone, Some one made the sketch his own, Filched it from the artist then, Even in those early days, Won a simple Viceroy's praise Through the toil of other men. Ere they hewed the Sphinx's visage Favouritism governed kissage, Even as it does in this age. Who shall doubt "the secret hid Under Cheops' pyramid" Was that the contractor did Cheops out of several millions? Or that Joseph's sudden rise To Comptroller of Supplies Was a fraud of monstrous size On King Pharaoh's swart Civilians? Thus, the artless songs I sing Do not deal with anything New or never said before. As it was in the beginning Is to-day official sinning, And shall be for evermore!
Type of Poem: Satirical
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: This poem is a satirical critique of societal flaws that have persisted through time, carrying a theme of historical continuity. The poet draws an unflattering parallel between prehistoric times and the present, suggesting that human tendencies towards corruption, exploitation, and selfishness have remained unchanged.
The structure of the poem, consisting of rhymed stanzas, is deceptively simple, belying the complexity of the subject matter. The tone is cynical and biting, using humor and wit to expose human failings. The poem is replete with vivid images and allusions to historical events and figures, such as the construction of the Sphinx and the pyramid of Cheops, reinforcing the theme of continuity and the age-old nature of human vices.
The poet also employs irony, particularly in the last stanza, where he claims the 'artless songs' he sings are not about anything new or never said before. This self-deprecation is a clever literary device, serving to underscore his message about the persistent nature of societal flaws. The poem, therefore, is a powerful commentary on human nature and societal structures, wrapped in clever rhymes and biting satire.