Verses 1889-1896

"Verses 1889-1896" by Rudyard Kipling is poetry that gives readers a peek into the world of British soldiers and regular people living through the age of the British Empire, especially in India. The poems talk a lot about what it meant to do your duty, what bravery looks like, and the tough parts of being a soldier, showing the friendships and problems faced by ordinary soldiers, often called "Tommy," and their interactions with the people living in the places they were sent. Starting off, the book grabs attention showing how Kipling could mix stories with his poems with well known poems such as "Danny Deever", "Tommy", and "Gunga Din" which describe soldiers dealing with hard feelings like fear, respect, and missing home. By using both slang and proper language, the beginning shows different points of view, from soldiers joking around in their living quarters to deep thoughts about giving up everything and staying loyal during times of war. This gives a sneak peek into Kipling's skill at painting real characters and understanding the lives of those who served in that time.