# In Warning explained — Poetry > Chapter companion for Poetry by Ambrose Bierce. ## What happens A satirical poem warning Rudyard Kipling against visiting the American West due to his previous disparaging remarks about San Francisco, Chicago, and American culture. The speaker lists Kipling's offenses, including insulting local politicians, orators, and the American accent, and suggests that if he comes to shoot, he might find himself the target instead. ## Themes in this chapter ### Political Satire The poem satirizes Kipling's criticisms of American politicians, orators, and social customs, using humor and exaggerated threats. ### Deception and Self-Deception Kipling is accused of pretending to meet fictional people and of misrepresenting his experiences, suggesting a theme of deception. ## Character check-ins ### Unknown The speaker of the poem, addressing Rudyard Kipling directly. ## Key lines > They tell us, dear Kipling, you’re coming to shoot In the hills of the wide, wild West. We hear you plan to hunt in the American West. _Opening lines establish the premise of Kipling's intended visit._ > For you said San Francisco was meaner than—well, You said it was very small beer And Chicago uncommonly queer. You insulted San Francisco and Chicago, calling them insignificant and strange. _Highlights Kipling's previous derogatory remarks about American cities._ > You said you could speak the English tongue, But not the American nose. You claimed to understand English but not the American accent. _Criticizes Kipling's comment on American pronunciation._ > Out here when we go to shoot, perhaps Nor beast nor bird we see; So we just let go at the Britisher chaps Who have made remarks too free, And the same surcease to be. When we hunt and find no game, we shoot at British men who have spoken too freely, and that puts an end to them. _The poem's threatening conclusion suggests Kipling himself could become the target._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters/in-warning - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_se/chapters