To Thomas Atkins
To Thomas Atkins - fact Summary
Honouring the Common Soldier
Kipling addresses the archetypal British soldier, Thomas Atkins, offering a direct, plainspoken tribute. The speaker claims to have tried to represent the soldier’s pleasures and pains, expresses respect, and hopes for a future when soldiers receive fair pay and Christian treatment. The poem’s conversational tone and optimistic benediction underline solidarity and social conscience rather than romantic heroics.
Read Complete AnalysesI have made for you a song And it may be right or wrong, But only you can tell me if it's true. I have tried for to explain Both your pleasure and your pain, And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you! O there'll surely come a day When they'll give you all your pay, And treat you as a Christian ought to do; So, until that day comes round, Heaven keep you safe and sound, And, Thomas, here's my best respects to you!
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