I know dKos is concerned with politics, social justice, and countless other issues of the day. But for some reason, my mind drifted today to, of all things (not like me at all) a poem.
It was a poem penned by Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936), named "Tommy". Now, I have no idea what you know of poetry in general, Kipling's works specifically, or of the history of the times in Kipling's life. The point that I hope to make is that this one poem, as is the case of countless others, tells the same story to a greater or lesser degree today that it did when it was written. To learn why I say that, and a bit about Kipling as well, read on.
Disclaimer of expertise: First, you should know that I am not an English Lit major, nor a literary critic, nor much of anything other than a lifelong student. So what I have to say is only my judgement, without the benefit of any particular authority.
Why: I do not really know why I choose to write this, other than "Tommy" has been a poem that found a resonance with me, from when I first found it long before I became a soldier (a `Tommy') to this very day. No, the poem is not literally true today; the recognition and appreciation for soldiers' sacrifices are far more widespread, at least among the general citizenry, if not the ruling class (politicians, etc.). But even so, the circumstances that gave rise to `Tommy's' sentiments still exist, even if diminished (at present). In that respect, the poem shares several things that set great writing apart from the ordinary ... that it embodies, among other things, truth that endures.
A (very) little background on Kipling, first:> I have no idea as to what you may know of Kipling or his writings, and I have no intention of giving a biography. But, during most of his life, certainly the first 35 years, he lived during the high-point of the British Empire, the time when it was boasted that, "The sun never sets on the British Empire", which was quite literally true. Many have faulted Kipling, for he did write about the empire. Whether or not he supported the concept of empire is open to debate, but probably he did. Nevertheless, that does not take away from his great gift of imagery, and his ability to distil truth into the concise words and form of poetry. With that, I will say no more about Kipling; if you wish to learn of his life and times further, you may find ample information on the web, for instance at (Wikipedia)http://en.wikipedia.org/....
Now for "Tommy", of which the first two stanzas are:
I went into a public-'ouse to get a pint o'beer,
The publican 'e up an' sez, "We serve no red-coats here."
The girls be'ind the bar they laughed an' giggled fit to die,
I outs into the street again an' to myself sez I:
O it's Tommy this, an' Tommy that, an' "Tommy, go away";
But it's ``Thank you, Mister Atkins,'' when the band begins to play,
The band begins to play, my boys, the band begins to play,
O it's ``Thank you, Mr. Atkins,'' when the band begins to play.
I only show the two for one reason, to explain a little about the poem, which may make it easier, if you are not familiar with Kipling, to read it in its entirety and make it more easily understood.
(1) Spelling - Kipling often wrote using the `common' language and spelling, such as omitting the `h' in a word, or a `d', or an `f', or even making a substitute spelling, as in `sez'. It adds to the authenticity of the 'common man' speaking, yet if read `to the ear', it is easily understandable.
(2) The real key is, who is `Tommy'; who is `Tommy Atkins'? Simply put, he is the British soldier, the ordinary common soldier, though he embodied all British soldiers in a broader sense. He can be equated as the `GI'. Actually, the history of `Tommy Atkins'. as a generic term. is explained very well here, (http://www.cs.rice.edu/...).
(3) Oh yes - "red-coats". Actually, British soldiers wore red coats as a part of their uniform until about 1902. It was, at the time of Kipling's poem, another generic term for a British soldier. (Some units, especially ceremonial, still wear the `read coat' as a part of the uniform.)
Now, without further ado, let me introduce you to "Tommy", by Rudyard Kipling (http://www.web-books.com/...). Please read it in its entirety! (It is short, only the equivalent of 10 stanzas, each of four lines.)
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All finished? Well, what did you think of it?
I am not going to explicate the poem. (I am not that knowledgeable ... barely make the grade of amateur human, much less critic!) Nor am I going to pontificate. I will, instead, share a few things that I, personally, see in it, and ask a few questions.
What do you think about ...
1. If you are familiar with the history of the times, the publican and theatre (management) are very similar to those in at least the middle, upper-middle, or higher groupings today, in economic and social terms. Yet, what is remarkable is, that though they depended on `income' from lesser persons (in the economic and social scheme of things), both felt comfortable with taking a superior attitude toward `Tommy', even though `Tommy' was, in fact, their lifeblood, the lifeblood of empire. Is that, at least somewhat true, today?
2. The `band' that cheered `Tommy' on? Is that anything like neocons, or republicans, or upper-middle class (economically) people who cheer on the Iraq war, yet do not serve themselves, or have maybe never served, and whose children do not nor will ever serve?
3. "The drums begin to roll..." What are those drums? The drums of war, of course, rising in unison and intensity, before engagement, pushing for engagement. They rolled before the invasion of Iraq; their beat is being heard anew today, only this time, singing the name, `Iran'. Is that what is has happened -- is happening?
4. "The Widow's Uniform is not the soldier-man's disgrace." It is not, at all. It is the disgrace of the `band' and the `drums' ... of the nation, and maybe even of humanity. Yes, or no?
5. "But Tommy ain't a bloomin' fool - you bet that Tommy sees!" Yes, `Tommy' ain't no fool, at all ... now he sees more than ever before. The `band' and the `drums' will find that there is a price to pay, for sure. Or will they?
I hope you enjoyed Mr. Kipling and his poem. To me, it is an important one that speaks truth ... truth for his time, truth for our time, and truth for the future. Godspeed to `Tommy', Godspeed to all men of good will ... and may the `band' and the `drums' find that their cacophony is no longer acceptable in this world!