'Wilful Missing' by Rudyard Kipling
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(Deserters)
There is a world outside the one you know,
To which for curiousness 'Ell can't compare--
It is the place where "wilful-missings" go,
As we can testify, for we are there.
You may 'ave read a bullet laid us low,
That we was gathered in "with reverent care"
And buried proper.But it was not so,
As we can testify --for we are there!
They can't be certain--faces alter so
After the old aasvogel 'ad 'is share.
The uniform's the mark by which they go--
And--ain't it odd?--the one we best can spare.
We might 'ave seen our chance to cut the show--
Name, number, record, an 'begin elsewhere--
Leaven'' some not too late-lamented foe
One funeral-private-British-for 'is share.
We may 'ave took it yonder in the Low
Bush-veldt that sends men stragglin' 'unaware
Among the Kaffirs, till their columns go,
An 'they are left past call or count or care.
We might 'ave been your lovers long ago,
'Usbands or children--comfort or despair.
Our death (an' burial) settles all we owe,
An' why we done it is our own affair.
Marry again, and we will not say no,
Nor come to barstardise the kids you bear.
Wait on in 'ope--you've all your life below
Before you'll ever 'ear us on the stair.
There is no need to give our reasons, though
Gawd knows we all 'ad reasons which were fair;
But other people might not judge 'em so--
And now it doesn't matter what they were.
What man can weigh or size another's woe:
There are some things too bitter 'ard to bear.
Suffice it we 'ave finished--Domino!
As we can testify, for we are there,
In the side-world where "wilful-missings " go.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Wilful Missing: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Wilful Missing, written by Rudyard Kipling, is a classic poem that tells a story of love, loss, and the pain of separation. Kipling, known for his works that were heavily influenced by his experiences in India, wrote this poem as a tribute to his friend, Dr. James Lawton Collins, who was killed in the First World War.
The poem is a complex exploration of the themes of love, death, and memory, and it is structured in a way that invites readers to engage with these themes in a deeply personal and emotional way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the different layers of meaning in the poem and the ways in which Kipling uses language, imagery, and structure to convey his message to the reader.
The Structure of the Poem
One of the most striking features of Wilful Missing is its structure. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and mood. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the central character of the poem, a soldier who has gone missing in action. The second stanza focuses on the soldier's wife and her grief for her missing husband. The third stanza shifts to the soldier himself, imagining his last moments before he disappeared. The final stanza brings the poem full circle, reflecting on the soldier's memory and the impact of his absence on those who loved him.
The structure of the poem is significant because it allows Kipling to explore the themes of love, loss, and memory from multiple perspectives. By shifting the focus between the soldier, his wife, and the memory of him, Kipling creates a complex and nuanced exploration of these themes that is both personal and universal.
Imagery and Language
Kipling's use of imagery and language in Wilful Missing is also significant. Throughout the poem, Kipling uses vivid and evocative language to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion. For example, in the first stanza, Kipling describes the soldier as "wilful missing, somewhere in the blue," a phrase that conveys both the soldier's absence and the uncertainty and ambiguity surrounding his fate.
Similarly, in the second stanza, Kipling uses powerful imagery to describe the soldier's wife's grief. He writes, "She folds her hands and tries to pray / But grief unspeakable will stay / When love has gone away." The use of the words "unspeakable" and "grief" create a sense of overwhelming sadness and loss that is difficult to put into words.
Kipling's use of imagery and language throughout the poem serves to reinforce the central themes of love, loss, and memory. By using language that is both powerful and evocative, Kipling creates a sense of emotional resonance that draws the reader in and encourages them to engage with the poem on a deeper level.
Interpretation
Wilful Missing is a deeply personal and emotional poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and memory in a complex and nuanced way. At its core, the poem is a tribute to Kipling's friend, Dr. James Lawton Collins, who was killed in the First World War. However, the poem also speaks to broader themes of loss and grief that are universal and timeless.
The soldier in the poem, who is missing in action, represents all those who have been lost in war. His wife, who grieves for him, represents all those left behind to mourn their loved ones. And the memory of the soldier, which lingers long after he is gone, represents the enduring impact of loss and grief.
In many ways, Wilful Missing is a poem about the power of memory to sustain us in the face of loss. The soldier may be gone, but his memory lives on, both in the minds of those who loved him and in the broader cultural memory of war and sacrifice. Through his use of vivid imagery and evocative language, Kipling invites the reader to engage with this memory and to reflect on the impact of loss and grief in their own lives.
In conclusion, Wilful Missing is a powerful and emotionally resonant poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and memory in a complex and nuanced way. Through his use of structure, imagery, and language, Kipling creates a deeply personal and universal work of art that speaks to the enduring impact of war and the power of memory to sustain us in the face of loss.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Wilful Missing: A Masterpiece of Rudyard Kipling
Rudyard Kipling, the renowned English poet, novelist, and short-story writer, is known for his exceptional literary works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "Wilful Missing," which was first published in 1917. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem "Wilful Missing" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a soldier who goes missing during a battle. The poem is written in the first person, and the narrator is the soldier's comrade. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a different tone and message.
The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the reader to the soldier who has gone missing. The narrator describes the soldier as a brave and fearless man who was always ready to face any challenge. The soldier is portrayed as a hero who was willing to sacrifice his life for his country. The stanza also highlights the chaos and confusion of war, with the narrator describing the sounds of gunfire and the screams of wounded soldiers.
The second stanza is the heart of the poem, where the narrator expresses his feelings about the soldier's disappearance. The narrator is filled with guilt and regret, as he feels that he could have done more to save his comrade. The stanza is filled with powerful imagery, as the narrator describes the soldier's empty bed and the silence that fills the room. The stanza ends with the narrator questioning the purpose of war and the sacrifices that soldiers make.
The third and final stanza is a tribute to the soldier who has gone missing. The narrator describes the soldier's bravery and courage, and how he will always be remembered as a hero. The stanza ends with the narrator expressing his hope that the soldier is still alive and will one day return home.
The poem "Wilful Missing" is a powerful commentary on the futility of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. The poem highlights the bravery and courage of soldiers, but also the toll that war takes on them and their families. The poem is also a reminder that war is not just about the soldiers on the front lines, but also about the families and loved ones left behind.
The poem is written in Kipling's signature style, with powerful imagery and vivid descriptions. Kipling's use of language is masterful, as he captures the emotions and feelings of the narrator and the soldier's family. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, with the phrase "wilful missing" repeated throughout the poem. This repetition serves to emphasize the soldier's absence and the impact it has on those left behind.
In conclusion, "Wilful Missing" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. The poem is a powerful commentary on the futility of war and the toll it takes on soldiers and their families. Kipling's use of language and imagery is masterful, and the poem is a testament to his skill as a poet. "Wilful Missing" is a timeless work of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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