Author: Rudyard Kipling
Thirteen as twelve my Murray always took, He was a publisher. The new Police Have neater ways of bringing men to book, So Juan found himself before J.P.'s Accused of storming through that placed nook At practically any pace you please. The Dogberry, and the Waterbury, made It fifty mile, five pounds. And Juan paid!
Type of Poem: Lyric Poem
Date Written:
Date Published:
Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Publisher:
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Comments/Notes: Rudyard Kipling’s "The Tour" is a Light Narrative Lyric with elements of Satirical Verse and Epigrammatic Poetry. In this short, playful piece, Kipling humorously recounts a small, everyday brush with authority: Juan, the protagonist, is fined for speeding through a restricted area. The central theme is the clash between personal freedom—or carelessness—and the increasingly regulated, bureaucratic modern world. The poem pokes gentle fun at both the minor criminal (Juan) and the officiousness of law enforcement ("the new Police") who "bring men to book" with professional efficiency, a witty twist on the old phrase for capturing criminals and the literal act of publishing.
The tone is light, witty, and satirical, using casual irony to portray the situation as faintly ridiculous but typical of contemporary life. Kipling draws a contrast between the older, perhaps more romanticized figures of justice and the modern, more efficient forces ("Dogberry," a reference to the bumbling constable in Much Ado About Nothing, and "Waterbury," a brand of mass-produced watches known for their cheapness and ubiquity). The poem’s references to "fifty mile" and "five pounds" reflect the mechanical precision and monetary penalty characteristic of a modern, regulated society, and Juan's resigned payment caps the vignette with a shrugging acceptance of the inevitable.
Structurally, the poem reads almost like a rapid anecdote or a humorous aside, compressed into a few nimble lines. Its rhyme and rhythm are tight and energetic, matching the quick-paced subject matter. Although brief, "The Tour" captures a wider commentary on the passage from a looser, more individualistic past into a more ordered and regulated future—a frequent undercurrent in Kipling’s later, more world-weary work. It is a playful, sharp little piece that showcases his ability to satirize human nature and social change with economy and wit.
Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.
Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:
From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.