'"Follow Me 'Ome"' by Rudyard Kipling

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There was no one like 'im, 'Orse or Foot,
Nor any o' the Guns I knew;
An' because it was so, why, o' course 'e went an' died,
Which is just what the best men do.

So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me!
An' it's finish up your swipes an' follow me!
Oh, 'ark to the big drum callin',
Follow me -- follow me 'ome!

'Is mare she neighs the 'ole day long,
She paws the 'ole night through,
An' she won't take 'er feed 'cause o' waitin' for 'is step,
Which is just what a beast would do.

'Is girl she goes with a bombardier
Before 'er month is through;
An' the banns are up in church, for she's got the beggar hooked,
Which is just what a girl would do.

We fought 'bout a dog -- last week it were --
No more than a round or two;
But I strook 'im cruel 'ard, an' I wish I 'adn't now,
Which is just what a man can't do.

'E was all that I 'ad in the way of a friend,
An' I've 'ad to find one new;
But I'd give my pay an' stripe for to get the beggar back,
Which it's just too late to do.

So it's knock out your pipes an' follow me!
An' it's finish off your swipes an' follow me!
Oh, 'ark to the fifes a-crawlin'!
Follow me -- follow me 'ome!

Take 'im away!'E's gone where the best men go.
Take 'im away!An' the gun-wheels turnin' slow.
Take 'im away!There's more from the place 'e come.
Take 'im away, with the limber an' the drum.

For it's "Three rounds blank" an' follow me,
An' it's "Thirteen rank" an' follow me;
Oh, passin' the love o' women,
Follow me -- follow me 'ome!

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Follow Me 'Ome" by Rudyard Kipling: A Journey of Nostalgia and Patriotism

As a literary masterpiece of Rudyard Kipling, "Follow Me 'Ome" is a poem that captures the essence of the English spirit through its vivid imagery and uplifting message. Published in 1890 in his collection of Barrack-Room Ballads, this poem has become an iconic piece of English literature, representing the patriotic sentiment of the time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the various themes and literary devices used in "Follow Me 'Ome" and how they contribute to the poem's enduring appeal.

Background of the Poem

Before diving into the poem, it is essential to understand the context in which it was written. Rudyard Kipling was born in Bombay, India, and spent his childhood there before moving to England. He wrote extensively about his experiences in India and was deeply influenced by his time there. Kipling's works are known for their nostalgic portrayal of British colonialism and imperialism.

"Follow Me 'Ome" was written during a time of political and social upheaval in England. The country was going through a period of rapid industrialization, which led to the growth of cities and increased migration from rural areas. The poem reflects the longing for a simpler time and the importance of the traditional values that had sustained England for centuries.

Themes

The poem's central theme is nostalgia – the longing for the past and the desire to return to a simpler time. It begins with the speaker inviting the reader to go on a journey with him back to England, where they can relive memories of their childhood. The speaker uses vivid imagery to describe the sights, sounds, and smells of rural England, which creates a strong sense of nostalgia.

Another recurring theme in the poem is patriotism. The speaker expresses his love for England and everything it represents. He talks about the English countryside, the people, and their way of life, all of which he believes are unique and worth preserving. The poem celebrates the virtues of hard work, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, which are all associated with the English character.

Structure and Literary Devices

"Follow Me 'Ome" is a ballad, which is a narrative poem that tells a story. The poem follows a simple ABAB rhyme scheme and has a regular meter, which gives it a sing-song quality. The language is straightforward and accessible, which makes it easy to understand and remember.

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is imagery. The speaker uses vivid descriptions of the English countryside to create a sense of nostalgia and longing. For example, he talks about "the green, green grass of 'Ome," "the smell o' the bean-fields," and "the larks a-singing." These descriptions appeal to the reader's senses and create a powerful image of rural England.

The speaker also uses repetition to emphasize certain themes and ideas. The phrase "Follow Me 'Ome" is repeated several times throughout the poem, which creates a sense of urgency and encourages the reader to join the speaker on his journey. The repetition of "For it's all for our right to be free" emphasizes the poem's patriotic message and the importance of the English way of life.

Interpretation

The phrase "Follow Me 'Ome" can be interpreted as an invitation to return to a simpler time, where people lived close to the land and had a strong sense of community. The poem celebrates the beauty of rural England and the people who live there. The speaker invites the reader to join him on a journey back to England, where they can relive memories of their childhood and reconnect with their roots.

At the same time, the poem also has a patriotic message. The speaker expresses his love for England and everything it represents. He talks about the importance of preserving the English way of life and the need to defend it against outside forces. The poem celebrates the sacrifices that English people have made in the past to defend their country and their way of life.

Conclusion

"Follow Me 'Ome" is a poem that captures the essence of the English spirit. It celebrates the virtues of hard work, loyalty, and self-sacrifice, which are all associated with the English character. The poem also reflects the nostalgia for a simpler time and the importance of traditional values that had sustained England for centuries. Through vivid imagery and a sing-song quality, Kipling invites the reader on a journey back to England, where they can relive memories of their childhood and reconnect with their roots. This poem is a powerful reflection of the English identity and the enduring appeal of tradition and patriotism.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Follow Me 'Ome: A Poem of Adventure and Homecoming

Rudyard Kipling's "Follow Me 'Ome" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of adventure and the longing for homecoming. Written in Kipling's signature style, the poem is a celebration of the wanderlust that drives us to explore the world, while also acknowledging the deep-rooted desire to return to the familiar comforts of home.

The poem begins with a call to adventure, as the speaker urges his fellow travelers to follow him on a journey to "the ends of the earth." The language is bold and inspiring, with phrases like "the world is wide" and "the road is free" evoking a sense of limitless possibility. The speaker is clearly a seasoned traveler, someone who has seen and experienced much of what the world has to offer. He is confident in his ability to lead others on this journey, and he invites them to join him with a sense of excitement and enthusiasm.

As the poem progresses, however, the tone shifts from one of adventure to one of nostalgia and longing. The speaker begins to reflect on the places he has been and the people he has met, and he realizes that no matter how far he travels, there is always a part of him that longs for home. He speaks of the "little things" that he misses, like the sound of the church bells ringing or the smell of the sea. These are the things that anchor him to his homeland, and no matter how far he roams, they remain a constant reminder of where he came from.

The poem's central theme, then, is the tension between the desire for adventure and the pull of home. The speaker acknowledges that there is something thrilling and exhilarating about exploring new places and meeting new people, but he also recognizes that there is a deep sense of comfort and belonging that comes from being in familiar surroundings. He speaks of the "homely things" that he longs for, like a warm fire and a comfortable bed, and he acknowledges that these are the things that make a place truly feel like home.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language and imagery. Kipling was a master of his craft, and his words are carefully chosen to evoke a sense of both adventure and nostalgia. He uses vivid descriptions of far-off lands and exotic sights to capture the excitement of travel, but he also uses simple, everyday language to convey the sense of comfort and familiarity that comes from being at home. The poem is filled with sensory details, from the "smell of the pine" to the "sound of the rain," and these details help to create a vivid picture of the world that the speaker is describing.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its structure. The poem is written in four stanzas, each with a distinct tone and theme. The first stanza is a call to adventure, the second is a reflection on the joys of travel, the third is a lament for the things left behind, and the fourth is a celebration of the joys of homecoming. This structure helps to create a sense of progression and development, as the speaker moves from one theme to the next, and it also helps to reinforce the central theme of the poem.

In conclusion, "Follow Me 'Ome" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of adventure and the longing for homecoming. Kipling's use of language and imagery is masterful, and his structure helps to create a sense of progression and development that reinforces the poem's central theme. The poem is a celebration of the wanderlust that drives us to explore the world, while also acknowledging the deep-rooted desire to return to the familiar comforts of home. It is a timeless work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today, and it is a testament to Kipling's skill as a poet.

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