The Trade

By Rudyard Kipling

Narrative Poem
They bear, in place of classic names, Letters and numbers on their skin. They play their grisly blindfold games In little boxes made of tin. Sometimes they stalk the Zeppelin, Sometimes they learn where mines are laid, Or where the Baltic ice is thin. That is the custom of "The Trade." Few prize-courts sit upon their claims. They seldom tow their targets in. They follow certain secret aims Down under, Far from strife or din. When they are ready to begin No flag is flown, no fuss is made More than the shearing of a pin. That is the custom of "The Trade." The Scout's quadruple funnel flames A mark from Sweden to the Swin, The Cruiser's thund'rous screw proclaims Her comings out and goings in: But only whiffs of paraffin Or creamy rings that fizz and fade Show where the one-eyed Death has been That is the custom of "The Trade." Their feats, their fortunes and their fames Are hidden from their nearest kin; No eager public backs or blames, No journal prints the yarn they spin (The Censor would not let it in! ) When they return from run or raid. Unheard they work, unseen they win. That is the custom of "The Trade."

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
Rudyard Kipling’s "The Trade" is a Narrative Poem with elements of Tribute Poetry and War Elegy, written in praise of the silent, unseen, and highly dangerous work of submarine crews during wartime. The poem's central theme is the hidden heroism and sacrifice of those who serve invisibly, without public recognition or glory. Kipling contrasts the loud, visible operations of cruisers and scouts with the secretive, deadly, and solitary missions carried out "under"—beneath the waves, out of sight and largely out of mind. The repeated line "That is the custom of 'The Trade'" serves as a solemn refrain, reinforcing the idea that this silent, thankless mode of service is both a duty and a way of life.

The tone of the poem is somber, restrained, and respectful. Kipling avoids sensationalism; instead, he uses calm, measured language to highlight the discipline, secrecy, and immense risk inherent in submarine warfare. His imagery is striking but subdued: the "little boxes made of tin" evoke both the claustrophobia and the vulnerability of submarines; "whiffs of paraffin" and "creamy rings that fizz and fade" are all that mark the deadly presence of the “one-eyed Death.” There is an undercurrent of ghostliness throughout the poem, emphasizing how these men exist almost outside the public consciousness, operating in a twilight zone of danger and anonymity.

Structurally, the poem is organized into balanced stanzas, each ending with the refrain that reinforces the dangerous routine of "The Trade." The careful, almost monotonous rhythm mirrors the relentless, repetitive nature of submarine duty, where missions blur into each other with little public acknowledgment. Historically, this poem reflects Kipling’s deep sympathy for the hidden services during World War I, especially following personal loss (his own son John died in the war). Kipling understood that the work of these men, though unseen and uncatalogued, was crucial to the larger war effort and deserved both recognition and reverence.

Ultimately, "The Trade" serves as a solemn, understated memorial to those who worked—and often died—in the silence beneath the seas. Kipling elevates the invisible courage of submarine crews into something deeply dignified, showing that true heroism often exists without applause or reward, hidden beneath the surface both literally and figuratively.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.