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The 'Undred An' Fifth

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In this poem I have endeavoured to follow some of the things I found in a few of Kipling's poems. Namely, internal rhyming and the use of differing stress patterns in the same poem.  I did not look into it too deeply, but in some poems he alternates between iambic and anapestic, perhaps with a line or two of the obverse. I have attempted to emulate that with limited success. My personal preference is toward the anapestic verses I wrote.
The 'Undred an' Fifth is the greatest o' Britain, They charge like the Royal Marines; They'll shatter the shock, and they'll 'old like a rock, On nothin' but pork leg an' beans. They march by the mile, an' they step 'er in style; At 'ome by the land 'r the sea. They'll fight like a lion, an' die for the tryin', For nothin' save crackers an' tea. Aye! the 'Undred an' Fifth is the best in the land; They 'ave trampled the gates o' Chardaux. Brave for the fight, they 'll sail to the sand, An' they'll march till they meet wi' the foe! The 'Undred an' Fifth, yes the best o' the best; They 'ud conquer the ends o' the world. Not taking a rest, they are game for the test, Till the Jack o' the Brits is unfurled. The 'Undred an' Fifth is the greatest forever; They'll cross any line in the sand. When others 'ave failed, an' the reg'lars 'ave bailed, Then the Fifth o' the 'Undreds 'll stand! They stand in a rank, an' they march in a file, They 'ark to an ol' rusty sot: They serve for the Queen, as they camp o'er the mile; They're the greatest that Britain 'as got! ~ Inspired by Kipling's "Soldier an' Sailor Too". ~ See About Poem for more.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2013




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Date: 2/25/2013 1:48:00 PM
Congrats on your win..Sara
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Date: 2/24/2013 1:27:00 PM
I knew you make #1 spot. A big congrats on your well crafted poem. Warm Smiles, Connie
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Date: 2/22/2013 6:00:00 PM
yes, yes, I remember this GREAT poem. Congrats on your well placed win!!
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Date: 2/22/2013 1:59:00 PM
Congrad's on your win. Light & Love
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Date: 2/22/2013 7:33:00 AM
Congrats on your big win. Well deserved. Connie
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Date: 2/22/2013 1:42:00 AM
Hi congratulations once more Isaiah, another deserving of a winning spot...I am hoping for more time next week for more reading and commenting xx
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Date: 2/21/2013 8:37:00 PM
A wonderful poem and entry Isaiah. A shining example in the Kipling manner. He could have written it himself. Certainly worthy of the outstanding win. Love, Joyce
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Date: 2/21/2013 8:29:00 PM
A good winning poem... always~ LINDA
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Date: 2/21/2013 8:15:00 PM
My, my! This is indeed a good one! I gladly yield to the higher power.......This will be in a book some day.....You know than don't you? RAY
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Date: 2/21/2013 7:27:00 PM
Congratulations on your top placement, Isaiah. Very nice job on the rhyme and meter. I loved the Cockney dialect. Cheers, Roy
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Date: 2/6/2013 3:20:00 PM
well, they sure sound grand, Isaiah!! So you are from England? Believe me, my poem I wrote about Dream on is true (at least to us common people!)
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Date: 2/6/2013 2:39:00 PM
Reads like a winner for the contest..Good luck..I am glad that I stopped by to read this one..Thanks for the special comments about my work..They were uplifting..Sara
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Date: 1/31/2013 9:24:00 PM
A true poet! That's who you are, Isaiah! In my book this is already a Winner! I'm not familiar with the story by R. Kipling but love the rhyme and the beat in yours! Always, Annalise
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Date: 1/28/2013 8:41:00 PM
Your cockney accent shines through this wonderful verse. I can almost see them marching and hear the fife and drums. Great poetry, so glad I found you!
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Date: 1/28/2013 1:36:00 PM
Isaiah the flow of your poem catches one to read right through to the end. Beautifully written, it made your poem come to life, and helped me into your scene. I felt I was right their listening to one of the Undred an' Fifth with your masterly created write. Warm Smiles, Connie
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