Chils Song

Author: Rudyard Kipling

    These were my companions going forth by night
    (For Chil! Look you, for Chil!)
    Now come I to whistle them the ending of the fight.
    (Chil! Vanguards of Chil!)
    Word they gave me overhead of quarry newly slain,
    Word I gave them underfoot of buck upon the plain.
    Heres an end of every trail they shall not speak again!

    They that cried the hunting-cry they that followed fast
    (For Chil! Look you, for Chil!)
    They that bade the sambhur wheel, or pinned him as he passed
    (Chil! Vanguards of Chil!)
    They that lagged behind the scent they that ran before,
    They that shunned the level horn they that over-bore.
    Heres an end of every trail they shall not follow more.

    These were my companions. Pity twas they died!
    (For Chil! Look you, for Chil!)
    Now come I to comfort them that knew them in their pride.
    (Chil! Vanguards of Chil!)
    Tattered flank and sunken eye, open mouth and red,
    Locked and lank and lone they lie, the dead upon their dead.
    Heres an end of every trail and here my hosts are fed!
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Type of Poem: Ballad

Date Written:

Date Published:

Language: English

Keywords: Public Domain

Source: Public Domain Collection

Publisher:

Rights/Permissions: Public Domain

Comments/Notes: This poem beautifully captures the themes of companionship, life and death, and the cycle of hunting. The repetition of the phrase "For Chil! Look you, for Chil!" instills a sense of unity and camaraderie among the mentioned companions, creating a strong bond that is felt throughout the narrative.

The tone of the poem is both somber and reflective, as the speaker recounts the hunting experiences with their companions and acknowledges the inevitability of death. The phrase "Heres an end of every trail" is repeated in every stanza, emphasizing the finality of death and the cessation of the once vibrant hunting expeditions.

The structure of the poem, with its alternating lines of individual reflection and communal exclamation, creates a rhythm that mirrors the cyclical nature of life and death. The vivid imagery, particularly in the last stanza ("Tattered flank and sunken eye, open mouth and red"), paints a graphic picture of the aftermath of death, bringing the harsh reality of mortality to the forefront.

The standout literary device in this poem is the use of repetition to emphasize key themes. Not only does it underscore the gravity of death and the end of the hunting journey, but it also serves to invoke a sense of nostalgia and longing for the camaraderie that once was. Overall, the poem provides a poignant reflection on the transient nature of life, the bond of companionship, and the inevitable end that comes to all.

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.