Poem Analysis - Follow Me Ome

Rudyard Kipling's "Follow Me 'Ome" is a poignant elegy for a fallen soldier, delivered in the rough vernacular of his comrades. The poem blends genuine grief with a stoic acceptance of death, a common theme in Kipling's work which often explores the lives and sacrifices of ordinary soldiers. The poem initially establishes a tone of loss, quickly giving way to reflections on the departed man's impact and the world's indifference. Ultimately, the poem crescendos into a somber yet defiant tribute, celebrating the soldier's memory amidst the harsh realities of war and loss.

Kipling and the Common Soldier

Rudyard Kipling was known for his focus on the lives and experiences of ordinary soldiers in the British Army. His poems and stories often depicted their courage, camaraderie, and the hardships they endured. This poem reflects Kipling's characteristic style, using dialect ("'Orse," "'E," " 'Ome") and colloquial language ("swipes," "hooked") to create an authentic voice for the speaker, presumably a fellow soldier mourning the loss of a close friend. Kipling's personal life experiences, including his own son's death in World War I, likely informed his understanding of grief and sacrifice.

The Brutal Acceptance of Mortality

The poem grapples with the theme of mortality, specifically the abrupt and often senseless loss of life in war. The opening lines, "An' because it was so, why, o' course 'e went an' died, / Which is just what the best men do," express a fatalistic view of death. There is an understanding, albeit a bitter one, that the best are often the first to fall. This sentiment is echoed throughout the poem, as the speaker acknowledges the inevitability of death and the need to carry on despite the loss. The constant refrain, "Follow me 'ome!" becomes a call to join the fallen soldier in death, a somber march toward an unavoidable fate.

Love and Loss: A World Moves On

The poem explores the theme of love and loss by contrasting the genuine grief of the soldier's mare with the more pragmatic reactions of his girlfriend. The mare's unwavering loyalty and refusal to eat highlight the depth of her attachment, a sharp contrast to the girl's swift move to another relationship. The line, "Which is just what a beast would do," implies a sense of purity and genuine affection that the speaker finds lacking in the human world. The girl's actions, "Which is just what a girl would do," convey a sense of disillusionment, suggesting that life goes on, sometimes callously, even in the face of profound loss. This emphasizes the soldier's isolation in his grief, surrounded by a world that doesn't fully understand the depth of his feelings.

Camaraderie and Regret: A Soldier's Lament

The poem subtly examines the bonds of camaraderie and the lingering regrets that can haunt soldiers. The speaker reflects on a past quarrel with the deceased, expressing remorse for his harshness: "But I strook 'im cruel 'ard, an' I wish I 'adn't now, / Which is just what a man can't do." This confession reveals the speaker's vulnerability and his deep affection for the fallen soldier. The line " 'E was all that I 'ad in the way of a friend" reveals the stark reality of the speaker's existence. The pain of losing this connection is palpable. The speaker is also facing isolation that arises from the unique circumstances of war and brotherhood. The longing to undo the past and bring his friend back underscores the lasting impact of war on the human psyche.

The Drum and Fifes: Symbols of Remembrance and Resignation

Recurring images of the "big drum," "fifes," and "gun-wheels" function as potent symbols within the poem. The drum and fifes, traditionally associated with military marches, represent the constant presence of war and the somber procession of death. The "gun-wheels turnin' slow" evoke a sense of mourning and the finality of the soldier's passing. These images, combined with the repeated refrain, "Follow me 'ome!," create a haunting atmosphere of resignation and acceptance. The call to "follow" may also be a veiled invitation to join the ranks of the dead, suggesting the pervasive influence of death on the soldiers' lives.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Battlefield

"Follow Me 'Ome" is more than just a lament for a fallen soldier; it's a poignant reflection on the nature of grief, loss, and the enduring bonds of camaraderie. Through its raw language and vivid imagery, the poem captures the emotional toll of war and the challenges of coping with death in a world that often seems indifferent. The poem's enduring power lies in its ability to resonate with readers on a human level, reminding us of the sacrifices made by ordinary individuals and the importance of remembering those who are lost. The ambiguity surrounding the meaning of " 'ome" – is it heaven, a literal home, or simply death itself? – adds a layer of complexity, inviting us to contemplate the ultimate destination that awaits us all.