This short
poem by Ruskin Bond talks about the craving for beer of foot soldiers during
the British Raj. Ruskin got this poem from his grandfather, who was in the
British Indian Army; and he used to sing this poem as a song.
As per the
poem, a low-ranked soldier asks about Solan because it is famous for brewery.
Based on an assumption that they will get plenty of beer to drink in Solan, a
troop of foot soldiers sets on a foot journey from Delhi, their based unit, to
Solan in Himachal Pradesh.
They march in dust
and scorching sun. They know that there they will not be welcomed by women,
like their aunts, their language goes profane thinking that they have to return
to Delhi on foot again.
Overall the
nature and theme of the poem is taking an expedition to fulfill one’s craving.
Foot Soldiers by Ruskin Bond
‘Where’s
Solan?’ the private was asking.
‘Somewhere in
Tibet, I should think.’
‘There’s a
brewery there,
And it’s
brimming with beer,
But we can’t
get a mouthful to drink!’
So we
route-march from Delhi to Solan
In the dust
and the devilish sun,
And we’re
cursing away like Hades,
‘Cause there
ain’t any ladies
To hear every
son-of-a-gun!
And when we
have climbed up to Solan
Our language
continues profane
For right
well we know
We shall soon
have to go.
Down from
Solan to Delhi again.
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