You Must nt Swim..

Read 'You Must nt Swim..' by 'Rudyard Kipling' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

You Must nt Swim.. by Rudyard Kipling

 You must n't swim till you're six weeks old,
 Or your head will be sunk by your heels;
 And summer gales and Killer Whales
 Are bad for baby seals.


 Are bad for baby seals, dear rat,
 As bad as bad can be;
 But splash and grow strong,
 And you can't be wrong,
 Child of the Open Sea!

Form: Lyric Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace