Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936). Verse: 1885–1918. 1922.
A Death-bed
“T
The State exists for the State alone.”
[This is a gland at the back of the jaw,
And an answering lump by the collar-bone.]
Some die silent, by shell and shot.
Some die desperate, caught on the wire;
Some die suddenly. This will not.
[It will follow the regular course of—throats.]
Some die pinned by the broken decks,
Some die sobbing between the boats.
By the sliding trench as their friends can hear.
Some die wholly in half a breath.
Some—give trouble for half a year.
Except as the needs of the State ordain.”
[Since it is rather too late for the knife,
All we can do is to mask the pain.]
One died thus in a prison-yard—
Some die broken by rape or the rope;
Some die easily. This dies hard.
Woe to the traitor! Woe to the weak!”
[Let him write what he wishes to say.
It tires him out if he tries to speak.]
In loud self-pity. Others spread
Bad morale through the cots around …
This is a type that is better dead.
All that I sought was the right to live.”
[Don’t be afraid of a triple dose;
The pain will neutralize half we give.
While the effects of the drug endure….
What is the question he asks with his eyes?—
Yes, All-Highest, to God, be sure.]