The Trade
The Trade - context Summary
Composed Amid Wartime Secrecy
Kipling’s poem sketches the secret work of wartime naval and aerial reconnaissance, portraying crews who operate by codes and small vessels, unseen and uncelebrated. It emphasizes routine, silence and official censorship: their deeds leave only subtle traces while public praise and courtly recognition are withheld. The tone is matter-of-fact, noting how secrecy and modesty are built into the profession during wartime.
Read Complete AnalysesThey 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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