Uncle Sam To Kipling

(1899)

Take up the White Man’s burden! Have done with childish days. R. K.

Oh, thank you, Mr. Kipling, For showing us the way To buckle down to business And end our “childish day.” We know we’re young and frisky And haven’t too much sense-- At least, not in the measure We’ll have a few years hence.

Now, this same “White Man’s burden” You’re asking us to tote Is not so unfamiliar As you’re inclined to note. We freed three million negroes, Their babies and their wives; It cost a billion dollars And near a million lives!

And while we were a-fighting In all those “thankless years” We did not get much helping-- Well, not from English “peers.” And so--with best intentions-- We’re not exactly wild To free the Filipino, “Half devil and half child.”

Then, thank you, Mr. Kipling; Though not disposed to groan About the “White Man’s burden,” We’ve troubles of our own; Enough to keep us busy When English friends inquire, “Why don’t you use your talons? There are chestnuts in the fire!”