The Crab That Played With The Sea

Author: Rudyard Kipling

China-going P. & O.'s
Pass Pau Amma's playground close,
And his Pusat Tasek lies
Near the track of most B.I.'s.
N.Y.K. and N.D.L.
Know Pau Amma's home as well
As the Fisher of the Sea knows
"Bens," M.M.'s and Rubattinos.
But (and this is rather queer)
A.T.L.'s can qiot come here;
O. and O. and D.O.A.
Must go round another way.
Orient, Anchor, Bibby, Hall,
Never go that way at all.
U.C.S. would have a fit
If it found itself on it.
And if "Beavers" took their cargoes
To Penang instead of Lagos,
Or a fat Shaw-Savill bore
Passengers to Singapore,
Or a White Star were to try a
Little trip to Sourabaya,
Or a B.S.A. went on
Past Natal to Cheribon,
The the great Mr. Lloyds would come
With a wire and drag them home!

.    .     .     .    .

You will know what my riddle means
When you've eaten mangosteens.
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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: The poem is a playful and engaging commentary on maritime navigation and colonialism. The central theme here is the exploration of global trade routes, specifically the sea routes that connect diverse, far-flung lands. The poem contains many abbreviations that may be interpreted as the names of shipping companies, thus emphasizing the commercial aspect of sea voyages.

The tone is light-hearted and humorous, despite the underlying seriousness of the subject matter. The poet employs a rhymed verse and a rhythmic flow, creating a sing-song quality that adds to the playful nature of the poem. This is juxtaposed with the occasional use of jargon, which speaks to the intricacies of maritime life and the world of international trade.

The poem concludes with a riddle, a device that invites readers to delve deeper and understand the intricacies of the narrative. The mention of mangosteens, an exotic fruit indigenous to Southeast Asia, acts as a metaphor, perhaps for the allure and mystery of distant lands and the potential rewards of braving new routes. This clever use of symbolism reinforces the themes of adventure, exploration, and the risks and rewards of commerce.

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.