* Early Influences: Kipling was exposed to literature and storytelling from a young age. His parents were both writers, and he grew up surrounded by books.
* Nature and Travel: His childhood in India exposed him to a rich and diverse culture, which influenced his imagination and provided inspiration for his later works.
* Journalism and Storytelling: Kipling began his career as a journalist in India. This experience honed his storytelling skills and gave him a platform to share his observations of the world around him.
* A Desire to Express Himself: It's possible that Kipling felt a strong need to express his thoughts and feelings, which he did through poetry.
* The Power of Language: Kipling was a master of language and understood its power to evoke emotions, tell stories, and inspire people.
While we can't know for certain why Kipling started writing poetry, it's likely a combination of these factors. His early experiences, his creative spirit, and his talent for language all played a part in his journey to becoming one of the most celebrated poets of his time.