'Simplicity' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerWhat I seek far yet seldom find
Is large simplicity of mindIn fellow men;
For I have sprouted from the sod,
Like Bobbie Burns, my earthly god,--From plough to pen.So I refuse my brain to vex
With problems prosy and complex,Beyond my scope;
To me simplicity is peace,
So I persue it without cease,And growing hope."The world is too much with us," wrote
Wise Wordsworth, whom I love to quote,When rhymes are coy;
And simple is the world I see,
With bud and bloom and brook and treeTo give me joy.So blissfully I slip away
From brazen and dynamic dayTo dingle cool . . .
Now tell me friend, if in your eyes,
By being simple I am wise,--Or just a fool?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Simplicity by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
"Are you tired of complex and convoluted poetry that leaves you scratching your head? Do you long for a poem that speaks to your heart and soul with plain and simple words? Look no further than Robert Service's 'Poetry, Simplicity.'"
With these opening lines, I invite you to join me on a literary journey through Service's poem, which has been hailed as a masterpiece of simplicity.
An Overview of 'Poetry, Simplicity'
At just six lines long, 'Poetry, Simplicity' is a brief but powerful piece that delivers a clear message about the nature of poetry. The poem reads:
Oh, I do not care for the critics' praise,
And I do not care for the poets' bays;
But I care for the joy that my heart betrays
When the world puts off its harness of toil,
And I lie at full length on the luscious soil,
And the soul of the world is a-broil.
At first glance, the poem may seem deceptively simple, but it contains layers of meaning and imagery that are worth exploring.
A Critique of the Critics
The poem begins with a bold statement: "Oh, I do not care for the critics' praise." This line sets the tone for the rest of the piece, which is a rejection of the elitism and snobbery often associated with the world of poetry.
Service was himself a poet, but he rejected the idea that poetry should be solely for the intellectual elite. He believed that poetry should be accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and 'Poetry, Simplicity' embodies this philosophy.
The line "And I do not care for the poets' bays" also speaks to Service's distaste for the politics and backbiting that can occur in the poetry world. Instead of seeking the approval of other poets, Service focuses on the joy that poetry brings him personally.
Finding Joy in Simplicity
The next two lines of the poem express Service's love for the simple pleasures of life. He finds joy in the world "put[ting] off its harness of toil," meaning that he takes pleasure in the moments when people can relax and enjoy the fruits of their labor.
The image of lying "at full length on the luscious soil" is a powerful one. It conjures up images of relaxation, contentment, and connection to the earth. The word "luscious" suggests a richness and abundance that is almost decadent, further emphasizing the pleasure that Service takes in the simple things.
Finally, the line "And the soul of the world is a-broil" is a beautiful and evocative one. It suggests that there is a powerful energy and vitality in the world that is palpable, and that Service feels connected to it through his love of poetry. The use of the word "broil" suggests a simmering intensity that is waiting to burst forth, and it hints at the deep emotions that poetry can evoke.
A Celebration of Simplicity
In conclusion, 'Poetry, Simplicity' is a celebration of the joys of life and the power of poetry to evoke those joys. Service rejects the elitism and politics that can sometimes taint the world of poetry, and instead focuses on the simple pleasures of lying in the grass and feeling connected to the world.
The poem is a testament to the power of simplicity, both in poetry and in life. It reminds us that sometimes the most profound experiences are the simplest ones, and that we should never underestimate the power of a few well-chosen words to move us deeply.
So the next time you find yourself struggling with a complex or difficult piece of poetry, remember the wisdom of Robert Service and seek out the joy and simplicity that poetry can bring.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a medium that allows individuals to express their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a creative and unique way. One of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century is Robert Service, who is known for his simple yet powerful poems. In this analysis, we will be discussing one of his most famous works, "Simplicity."
"Simplicity" is a poem that celebrates the beauty of nature and the simplicity of life. It is a poem that reminds us of the importance of slowing down and appreciating the little things in life. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It begins with the line, "I have no riches but my thoughts." This line immediately establishes the theme of simplicity. The speaker is saying that he does not have material wealth, but he has something much more valuable: his thoughts. The second line, "Yet these are wealth enough for me," reinforces this idea. The speaker is content with what he has and does not need material possessions to be happy.
The third line of the first stanza, "My thoughts of you are golden coins," introduces the idea of love into the poem. The speaker is saying that his thoughts of his loved one are worth more than any material possession. The fourth line, "Stamped with the King's effigies," is a metaphor that compares the speaker's thoughts to coins stamped with the image of a king. This metaphor emphasizes the value and importance of the speaker's thoughts.
The second stanza of the poem continues the theme of simplicity and love. The first two lines, "With them I would not buy the earth," reiterate the idea that the speaker's thoughts are more valuable than any material possession. The third line, "For more of happiness than mirth," introduces the idea that happiness is more important than laughter or frivolity. The fourth line, "Nor would I sell a moment's mirth," emphasizes the importance of enjoying the simple pleasures in life.
The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus to nature. The first line, "I have no ships to sail the sea," introduces the idea that the speaker does not need to travel to find happiness. The second line, "I have no horses under me," reinforces this idea. The third line, "I have no service bells to call," introduces the idea that the speaker does not need material possessions to be happy. The fourth line, "Nor aught that's pompous or gala," emphasizes the idea that simplicity is more important than extravagance.
The fourth and final stanza of the poem brings together the themes of simplicity, love, and nature. The first line, "But yet I am as rich as they," reinforces the idea that the speaker does not need material possessions to be happy. The second line, "For love has blessed me night and day," introduces the idea that love is the most important thing in life. The third line, "And lo, my very pulse shall say," emphasizes the idea that the speaker's love is so strong that it is felt in his very being. The final line, "She loves me, she loves me not, they say," is a reference to the childhood game of picking petals off a flower to determine if someone loves you. This line reinforces the idea that love is the most important thing in life.
In conclusion, "Simplicity" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the importance of simplicity, love, and nature. Robert Service's use of simple language and rhyme scheme gives the poem a sing-song quality that makes it easy to read and understand. The poem reminds us that we do not need material possessions to be happy and that the simple pleasures in life are often the most important. "Simplicity" is a timeless poem that will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
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