A Pict Song

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
Rome never looks where she treads. Always her heavy hooves fall On our stomachs, our hearts or our heads; And Rome never heeds when we bawl. Her sentries pass on, that is all, And we gather behind them in hordes, And plot to reconquer the Wall, With only our tongues for our swords. We are the Little Folk, we! Too little to love or to hate. Leave us alone and you'll see How we can drag down the State! We are the worm in the wood! We are the rot at the root! We are the taint in the blood! We are the thorn in the foot! Mistletoe killing an oak, Rats gnawing cables in two, Moths making holes in a cloak, How they must love what they do! Yes, and we Little Folk too, We are busy as they, Working our works out of view, Watch, and you'll see it some day! No indeed! We are not strong, But we know Peoples that are. Yes, and we'll guide them along To smash and destroy you in War! We shall be slaves just the same? Yes, we have always been slaves, But you, you will die of the shame, And then we shall dance on your graves! We are the Little Folk, we, etc.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem's central theme is a commentary on power dynamics, specifically the resilience and hidden strength of the marginalized or oppressed. It is a defiant call to arms, underscoring the potential of the 'Little Folk' to overthrow the tyranny of 'Rome', a metaphor for any oppressive regime. The poem employs an array of vivid metaphors and similes to underscore the relentless, undermining power of the supposedly weak, likening them to 'worms in the wood,' 'rot at the root,' and 'thorns in the foot.' These metaphors suggest that even the smallest creatures can cause significant damage when overlooked or underestimated.

The poem's tone is defiant, almost sneering, with a touch of dark humor in the final stanza's reference to dancing on graves. The structure is consistent, with a rhythmic quatrain format that adds a sense of unity and cohesion. The repetition of "We are the Little Folk, we" reinforces the identity and unity of the oppressed. The poem also uses paradox to powerful effect, highlighting the irony of the 'little' causing the downfall of the 'mighty'. Its language is accessible, yet filled with metaphoric richness, making it a compelling piece of social and political commentary.

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.