That Day

By Rudyard Kipling

Ballad
It got beyond all orders an' it got beyond all 'ope; It got to shammin' wounded an' retirin' from the 'alt. 'Ole companies was lookin' for the nearest road to slope; It were just a bloomin' knock-out, an' our fault! Now there ain't no chorus 'ere to give, Nor there ain't no band to play; An' I wish I was dead 'fore I done what I did, Or seen what I seed that day! We was sick o' bein' punished, an' we let 'em know it, too; An' a company-commander up an' 'it us with a sword, An' some one shouted "'Ook it!" an' it come to ~sove-ki-poo~, An' we chucked our rifles from us, O my Gawd! There was thirty dead an' wounded on the ground we wouldn't keep, No, there wasn't more than twenty when the front begun to go; But, Christ! along the line o' flight they cut us up like sheep, An' that was all we gained by doin' so. I 'eard the knives be'ind me, but I dursn't face my man, Nor I don't know where I went to, 'cause I didn't 'alt to see, Till I 'eard a beggar squealin' out for quarter as 'e ran, An' I thought I knew the voice an', it was me! We was 'idin' under bedsteads more than 'arf a march away; We was lyin' up like rabbits all about the countryside; An' the major cursed 'is Maker 'cause 'e lived to see that day, An' the colonel broke 'is sword acrost, an' cried. We was rotten 'fore we started, we was never disci~plined~; We made it out a favour if an order was obeyed; Yes, every little drummer 'ad 'is rights an' wrongs to mind, So we had to pay for teachin', an' we paid! The papers 'id it 'andsome, but you know the Army knows; We was put to groomin' camels till the regiments withdrew, An' they gave us each a medal for subduin' England's foes, An' I 'ope you like my song, because it's true! An' there ain't no chorus 'ere to give, Nor there ain't no band to play; But I wish I was dead 'fore I done what I did, Or seen what I seed that day!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This compelling poem is a searing exploration of the harsh realities of war, the regret of actions taken in the heat of battle, and the critique of military discipline and order. The author employs a vernacular voice, which gives the poem an authentic and personal feel, as though a soldier is sharing his raw, uncensored experience.

The theme of regret is evident throughout the poem, with the narrator wishing he were "dead 'fore I done what I did, / Or seen what I seed that day!" The repetition of these lines in the middle and at the end of the poem serves as a haunting refrain, conveying the indelible trauma of war. The poem also critiques military discipline, as seen in the lines "we was never disci~plined~; / We made it out a favour if an order was obeyed." The poem highlights the irony of the soldiers receiving medals for their actions, despite the chaos and the lack of discipline.

The tone is gritty and somber, reflecting the horrors of war and the disillusionment of the narrator. The poet uses vivid, brutal imagery, such as soldiers being cut up "like sheep," to emphasize the brutality of war. The structure, with its refrain and narrative progression, aids in creating a sense of realism and immediacy, as though the reader is hearing a firsthand account of a soldier's experience. The poem is a powerful testament to the lasting psychological impact of war, the critique of military order, and the often overlooked human cost of conflict.

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.