'The Twins Of Lucky Strike' by Robert Service

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Carols of an Old CodgerI've sung of Violet de Vere, that slinky, minky dame,
Of Gertie of the Diamond Tooth, and Touch-the-Button Nell,
And Maye Lamore,--at eighty-four I oughta blush wi' shame
That in my wild and wooly youth I knew them ladies well.
And Klondike Kit, and Gumboot Sue, and many I've forgot;
They had their faults, as I recall, the same as you and me;
But come to take them all in all, the daisy of the lot,
The glamour queen of dance-hall dames was Montreal Maree.
And yet her heart was bigger than a barn, the boys would say;
Always the first to help the weak, and so with words of woe,
She put me wise that Lipstick Lou was in the family way:
"An' who ze baby's fazzaire ees, only ze bon Dieu know."
Then on a black and bitter night passed on poor Lipstick Lou;
And by her bedside, midwife wise, wi' tears aflowin' free,
A holdin' out the newly born,--an' by gosh! there was two:
"Helas! I am zere mossaire now," said Montreal Maree.Said One-eyed Mike: "In Lucky Strike we've never yet had twins,"
As darin' inundation he held one upon each knee.
"Say, boys, ain't they a purty sight, as like's a pair o' pins--
We gotta hold a christinin' wi' Father Tim McGee."
"I aim to be their Godpa," bellowed Black Moran from Nome.
"The guy wot don't love childer is a blasted S.O.B.:
So long as I can tot a gun them kids won't lack a home."
"I sink zey creep into my heart," said Montreal Maree.'Twas hectic in the Nugget Bar, the hooch was flowin' free,
An' Lousetown Liz was singin' of how someone done her wrong,
Wi' sixty seeded sourdoughs all ahollerin' their glee,
When One-eyed Mike uprose an' called suspension of the song.
Says he: "Aloodin' to them twins, their age in months is two,
An' I propose wi' Christmas close, we offer them a tree.
'Twill sure be mighty pleasin' to the ghost o' Lipstick Lou . . ."
"Zen you will be ze Père Noël," said Montreal Maree.The dance hall of the Nugget Bar erupted joy an' light,
An' set upon the stage them twins was elegant to see,
Like angel cherubs in their robes of pure baptismal white,
Abaskin' in the sunny smile o' Father tim McGee.
Then on the bar stood Santa Claus, says he: "We'll form a Trust;
So all you sourdoughs heft your pokes an' hang 'em on the Tree.
To give them kids a chance in life we'll raise enough or bust!"
"For zem I pray ze Lord to bless," said Montreal Maree.You never saw a Christmas Tree so swell as that, I vow,
Wi' sixty sweaty sourdoughs ringin' round them infants two;
Their solid pokes o' virgin gold aweighin' down each bough,
All singin'

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Twins Of Lucky Strike: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry

When it comes to narrative poetry, few writers can match the skill and imagination of Robert Service. His poems are like miniature novels, full of vivid characters, dramatic twists, and timeless themes. And among his many gems, "The Twins of Lucky Strike" stands out as a true masterpiece.

This long narrative poem tells the story of two brothers, Tom and Jack, who grow up in the mining town of Lucky Strike in the Yukon during the gold rush of the late 19th century. Tom is the older, wiser, and more cautious of the two, while Jack is the younger, wilder, and more reckless. They are like two sides of the same coin, and their bond is both strong and fraught with tension.

The poem opens with a vivid description of the town and its inhabitants, including the "half-breeds" and "sourdoughs" who have come to seek their fortune in the harsh and unforgiving land. Service's language is rich and colorful, full of slang and regionalisms that bring the setting alive in the reader's mind.

But it's the characterization of the two brothers that really sets the poem apart. Tom is presented as the voice of reason, the one who cautions Jack against taking unnecessary risks and reminds him of their duty to their mother and sister back home. Jack, on the other hand, is the embodiment of youthful daring and impulsiveness, eager to prove himself and make a name for himself in the rough and tumble world of the gold rush.

Service's portrayal of these two contrasting personalities is masterful, and he uses their differences to illustrate larger themes about human nature, risk-taking, and the bonds of family. For example, when Jack insists on going on a dangerous solo prospecting trip, Tom warns him that he's being foolish and impulsive, but Jack ignores him and goes anyway. When he returns empty-handed and exhausted, Tom says:

"You see," said Tom, "how it pans out;
You've had your fling, you've had your bout;
And now you're down and out and done,
You'll stick to work, like me, my son."

This simple exchange encapsulates so much about the brothers' relationship and their individual temperaments. Jack is the one who takes risks and seeks adventure, while Tom is the one who plays it safe and values hard work and perseverance. And yet, despite their differences, they remain loyal and supportive of each other, even in the face of hardship and danger.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of symbolism and imagery to reinforce its themes. For example, the "twins" of the title are not just Tom and Jack, but also the two opposing forces of fate and free will. Throughout the poem, Service uses references to luck, chance, and destiny to underscore the idea that our choices are not always our own, and that the forces of the universe are at work in our lives whether we like it or not.

Consider this passage, where Tom reflects on the unpredictability of life in the Yukon:

But when the night's as dark as death,
And when the wind's as cold as steel,
And when you're lost, and out of breath,
And starving for a meal;
Then as you stagger to and fro,
And hope is nearly quenched within,
The feeling comes: "You'll never know
If you're to lose or win."

Here, Service captures the sense of uncertainty and vulnerability that characterizes life in the Yukon, and the way that even the most determined and resourceful individuals can be at the mercy of chance and circumstance.

Another powerful symbol in the poem is the gold itself. For the prospectors of Lucky Strike, gold represents not just wealth and success, but also a kind of obsession or addiction. Jack, in particular, becomes consumed with the search for gold, to the point where he risks his health and his sanity to pursue it. This theme of obsession and its consequences is a recurring one in Service's work, and "The Twins of Lucky Strike" is no exception.

But perhaps the most enduring aspect of the poem is its use of language and rhythm to create a sense of momentum and urgency. Service's poetry is often criticized for being too simplistic or melodramatic, but in "The Twins of Lucky Strike," his style is perfectly suited to the subject matter. The poem is full of action, dialogue, and suspense, and the regular rhyme and meter give it a driving energy that propels the story forward.

Consider this passage, where Jack and Tom are caught in a dangerous snowstorm:

The snow came down in blinding flakes,
The wind was raw and cold;
And soon they lost the trail that makes
The shortest cut to gold.
They stumbled on, with weary feet,
And hearts that sank with dread;
Till Tom cried out: "We're lost! We're beat!
God help us, Jack, we're dead!"

The urgency and desperation of this scene are palpable, and the use of rhyme and repetition reinforces the sense of danger and uncertainty.

In conclusion, "The Twins of Lucky Strike" is a classic example of narrative poetry at its best. Service's mastery of character, setting, and theme, combined with his skillful use of language and rhythm, make this a truly unforgettable work of art. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just a lover of great storytelling, this is a poem that deserves to be read and appreciated for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Twins of Lucky Strike: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert Service

Are you a fan of poetry? Do you enjoy reading works that transport you to a different time and place, and leave you with a sense of wonder and awe? If so, then you simply must read Robert Service's "The Twins of Lucky Strike." This classic poem is a true masterpiece of the genre, and it is sure to leave you breathless with its vivid imagery, powerful themes, and unforgettable characters.

At its core, "The Twins of Lucky Strike" is a story about two brothers who strike it rich in the gold mines of the Yukon. The poem is set during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 19th century, a time when thousands of people flocked to the Yukon in search of fortune and adventure. The two brothers, known as "the Twins," are among these fortune-seekers, and they quickly become the talk of the town when they strike a massive vein of gold.

What makes this poem so special is the way that Service brings the characters to life. The Twins are not just two-dimensional figures on a page; they are fully fleshed-out individuals with their own personalities, quirks, and flaws. We learn that one of the brothers is a bit of a braggart, always boasting about his wealth and success, while the other is more reserved and introspective. Despite their differences, however, the Twins share a deep bond of brotherhood, and they are fiercely loyal to one another.

Service's use of language is also a major factor in the poem's success. He employs a rich, evocative style that paints a vivid picture of the Yukon landscape and the people who inhabit it. Consider this passage, for example:

"The Twins of Lucky Strike, they're the lads to make you stare, With their broad and rugged shoulders and their faces brown and bare; With their keen and flashing eyeballs, and their teeth so white and strong, And their voices ringing, ringing, like a pealing matin song."

Here, Service uses a series of powerful adjectives and verbs to create a sense of awe and admiration for the Twins. We can almost see them standing before us, with their broad shoulders and flashing eyes, exuding an air of confidence and strength.

But the poem is not just a celebration of the Twins' success; it also explores the darker side of the gold rush. We see how the pursuit of wealth can corrupt even the most well-intentioned individuals, as the Twins become consumed by their desire for more and more gold. They begin to neglect their health and their relationships, and they become increasingly paranoid and mistrustful of those around them.

Service captures this sense of desperation and greed in lines like these:

"And they worked and worked and worked again, and cursed the lagging day, Till they scarce could tell the glimmer of the dawn from dusk of grey; And they dreamed of gold and silver, till they scarce could close an eye, And they feared and feared and feared again, lest someone should pass them by."

Here, we see the Twins' obsession with gold taking over their lives, to the point where they can barely distinguish day from night. They are consumed by their fear of losing what they have gained, and they become increasingly isolated and paranoid as a result.

Ultimately, "The Twins of Lucky Strike" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and the importance of human connection. It reminds us that wealth and success are not the only things that matter in life, and that true happiness can only be found through love, friendship, and a sense of purpose. Service's masterful use of language and imagery make this poem a true classic of the genre, and it is sure to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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