'Bookshelf' by Robert Service

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Bar-Room BalladsI like to think that when I fall,
A rain-drop in Death's shoreless sea,
This shelf of books along the wall,
Beside my bed, will mourn for me.Regard it. . . . Aye, my taste is queer.
Some of my bards you may disdain.
Shakespeare and Milton are not here;
Shelly and Keats you seek in vain.
Wordsworth, Tennyson, Browning too,
Remarkably are not in view.Who are they?

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Bookshelf: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Robert Service's Poetry, Bookshelf is a stunning collection of modern poetry that reflects the author's love for books and the power of words. In this work, Service uses his own experiences as a poet to reflect on the role of literature in human life, the process of writing, and the power of imagination.

Background Information

Poetry, Bookshelf was published in 1935, at a time when Robert Service was already an established poet, known for his works such as The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses (1907) and Rhymes of a Red Cross Man (1916). The collection consists of 72 poems, divided into five sections, and is a testimony to Service's growth as a poet over the years.

The poems in Poetry, Bookshelf are characterized by a simplicity of language, a strong rhythm, and a careful use of rhyme. Service's narrative style of poetry is influenced by his own experiences as a bank clerk, a cowboy, a gold prospector, and a soldier in World War I. His poems reflect his fascination with the rugged landscapes of the north and his love for adventure.

Analysis of the Poems

Service's Poetry, Bookshelf is a collection of poems that is rich in its themes and imagery. In the first section, titled "On Reading," Service explores the role of literature in human life. He reflects on the power of books to transport readers to different worlds, to inspire them, and to provide solace in times of trouble. He writes:

Oh, to read a book like a poem,
And to feel its magic within!
Oh, to read the thoughts of the wise men,
And to feel their power begin!

This stanza captures the essence of Service's message in this section. He sees reading as an act of magic, one that can transport a reader to a different world and give them the power to feel the thoughts of the wise.

In the second section, titled "On Writing," Service reflects on his own process of writing. He sees writing as a way to capture and preserve the experiences of life. He writes:

I write of life as I find it,
And the things that I see and hear;
And though my pen may be humble,
It speaks with an accent clear.

Here, Service emphasizes the importance of writing from personal experience, of using one's own voice to tell a story.

In the third section, titled "On Imagination," Service explores the power of imagination. He sees imagination as a way to escape the troubles of the world, to dream of a better future. He writes:

Ah, the world is a dreary prison,
And freedom is but a dream;
But the wings of my soul are lifted,
And I soar on an eagle's beam.

This stanza captures the power of imagination to lift the human spirit and give hope in the face of despair.

In the fourth section, titled "On Adventure," Service reflects on his own experiences as a gold prospector and a soldier in World War I. He sees adventure as a way to test one's mettle, to discover one's inner strength. He writes:

And the night is so black and eerie,
And the wind is so cold and grim,
And the stars are so wan and weary,
I am filled with a sense of him;
Of the man who followed the trail,
By the light of the flickering star,
And faced the perils that never fail,
And conquered them from afar.

This stanza captures the spirit of adventure, the willingness to face danger and overcome it.

The fifth and final section, titled "On Life," is a reflection on the human experience. Service sees life as a journey, with its ups and downs, its joys and sorrows. He writes:

And though the road be a long one,
And the way be dark and drear,
And the clouds hang low and heavy,
And the end seem far and near;
Yet I know that I shall find it,
The goal that I long to see,
For the road is the road of the human,
And the end is Eternity.

This stanza captures the essence of Service's message in this section. He sees life as a journey towards a higher goal, a journey that is difficult but ultimately rewarding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert Service's Poetry, Bookshelf is a masterpiece of modern poetry. His poems capture the essence of the human experience, with its joys and sorrows, its triumphs and tragedies. His use of language is simple yet powerful, his rhythm and rhyme carefully crafted to enhance the meaning of his poems. This collection is a testament to Service's growth as a poet and his enduring love for literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Bookshelf by Robert Service is a classic collection of poems that has stood the test of time. This book is a treasure trove of beautiful and thought-provoking poems that will leave you mesmerized. Robert Service is a master of his craft, and his poems are a testament to his skill and talent.

The Poetry Bookshelf is a compilation of some of Robert Service's best works. The book is divided into several sections, each containing poems that are thematically related. The first section, for example, contains poems about love and romance. The second section contains poems about nature, while the third section contains poems about war and conflict.

One of the things that make Robert Service's poems so special is their accessibility. His poems are easy to read and understand, yet they are also profound and meaningful. This is because Service uses simple language and vivid imagery to convey complex ideas and emotions. His poems are like little stories that transport you to another world.

One of the most famous poems in The Poetry Bookshelf is "The Cremation of Sam McGee." This poem tells the story of a man named Sam McGee who dies in the frozen north. His friend promises to cremate him, but he struggles to find a way to do so in the harsh environment. The poem is a hauntingly beautiful tale of friendship, death, and the struggle to survive in a hostile world.

Another famous poem in the book is "The Shooting of Dan McGrew." This poem tells the story of a saloon in the Yukon where a man named Dan McGrew is shot. The poem is a thrilling and suspenseful tale of love, betrayal, and revenge. It is a perfect example of Robert Service's ability to tell a story through poetry.

One of the things that make The Poetry Bookshelf so special is the way it captures the spirit of the times in which it was written. Robert Service wrote many of these poems during the early 20th century, a time of great change and upheaval. His poems reflect the hopes, fears, and dreams of the people of that era. They are a window into a world that no longer exists, yet they still resonate with readers today.

The Poetry Bookshelf is also a celebration of the natural world. Many of the poems in the book are about nature and the beauty of the wilderness. Robert Service had a deep love and respect for nature, and his poems reflect this. They are filled with vivid descriptions of mountains, rivers, and forests, and they capture the majesty and power of the natural world.

One of the things that make The Poetry Bookshelf so timeless is its universal themes. Robert Service's poems are about love, death, nature, and the human experience. These are themes that are relevant to people of all ages and cultures. They speak to the universal human condition and remind us of our shared humanity.

In conclusion, The Poetry Bookshelf by Robert Service is a classic collection of poems that is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and his poems are a testament to his skill and talent. The book is a celebration of the human experience, nature, and the beauty of language. It is a timeless work that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.

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