'Awake To Smile' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerWhen I blink sunshine in my eyesAnd hail the amber morn,
Before the rosy dew-drop driesWith sparkle on the thorn;
When boughs with robin rapture ring,And bees hum in the may,--
Then call me young, with heart of Spring,Though I be grey.But when no more I know the joyAnd urgence of that hour,
As like a happy-hearted boyI leap to land aflower;
When gusto I no longer feel,To rouse with glad hooray,--
Then call me old and let me stealFrom men away.Let me awaken with a smileAnd go to garden glee,
For there is such a little whileOf living left to me;
But when star-wist I frail away,Lord, let the hope beguile
That to Ecstatic Light I mayAwake to smile.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Awake To Smile: A Critical Analysis
Have you ever read a poem that makes you feel alive, that transports you to another realm, making you see things in a new light? Poetry is an art form that can do just that, and one such poem is "Awake To Smile" by Robert Service.
In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, language, and imagery of this classic poem. So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let's dive in.
Background
Robert Service was a British-Canadian poet who wrote during the early 20th century. He is best known for his poems about the Canadian North, such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee," and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew." However, "Awake To Smile" is a departure from his usual style and subject matter.
The poem was published in 1926 in a volume of his works titled "Rhymes of a Roughneck." The collection features poems that are less focused on the Canadian North and more on Service's personal experiences and observations of life.
Themes
At its core, "Awake To Smile" is a poem about the power of love. The speaker of the poem is in a state of deep despair, feeling lost and alone. However, the presence of the beloved brings joy and light into their life.
The poem also touches on the theme of the passage of time. The speaker reflects on the years they have spent on this earth, wondering where the time has gone. It is only through the love of the beloved that the speaker feels truly alive and awake.
Structure
The poem is written in free verse, with irregular line lengths and no formal rhyme scheme. This gives the poem a conversational tone, as if the speaker is confiding in the reader.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza focusing on a different aspect of the speaker's experience. The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker describing their state of mind. The second stanza introduces the beloved, while the third stanza reflects on the transformative power of love.
Language and Imagery
Service's use of language and imagery is what makes "Awake To Smile" such a powerful poem. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid and evocative imagery to convey the speaker's emotions.
In the first stanza, the speaker describes themselves as "a stranger / In this world grown old." This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker is lost in a world that has moved on without them.
The second stanza introduces the beloved, and the imagery becomes more positive. The speaker describes the beloved as "a beam of light / That pierces the gloom." This metaphorical language emphasizes the transformative power of love.
In the final stanza, the imagery becomes even more vivid as the speaker describes the impact of the beloved's love. The speaker feels "the drawstring of time / Released with a smile." This metaphorical language suggests that the passage of time is no longer a heavy burden, but a joyful experience.
Interpretation
As we have seen, "Awake To Smile" is a poem about the power of love to bring joy and light into our lives. The speaker, who is lost and alone, finds meaning and purpose through the presence of the beloved.
However, the poem is not just about romantic love. It is about the transformative power of any kind of love, whether it be the love of a partner, friend, or family member. Love has the ability to awaken us to the beauty of life, no matter how lost or alone we may feel.
The poem also touches on the theme of the passage of time. The speaker reflects on the years that have passed, wondering where the time has gone. However, through the love of the beloved, the speaker finds a way to release the burden of time and live in the present moment.
Conclusion
"Awake To Smile" is a beautiful and powerful poem that reminds us of the transformative power of love. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Service conveys the speaker's emotions with great sensitivity and depth.
As we read and interpret this classic poem, we are reminded of the power of poetry to transport us to another realm, to awaken us to new perspectives, and to bring us closer to the beauty of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions, inspire, and awaken the soul. Robert Service's "Awake To Smile" is a classic example of this power. This poem is a beautiful tribute to the beauty of nature and the joy it brings to our lives. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker waking up to the sound of birds singing. The imagery of the birds singing is a symbol of the beauty of nature. The speaker is filled with joy and happiness as he listens to the birds. The use of the word "awake" in the first line is significant as it suggests that the speaker is not just waking up from sleep but also awakening to the beauty of nature.
The second stanza of the poem describes the beauty of the morning sun. The sun is described as "a golden ball of fire" which is a powerful image that evokes a sense of warmth and energy. The use of the word "fire" is significant as it suggests that the sun is a source of energy and life. The speaker is filled with awe and wonder as he watches the sun rise.
In the third stanza, the speaker describes the beauty of the flowers. The flowers are described as "a rainbow on the ground" which is a powerful image that evokes a sense of beauty and color. The use of the word "rainbow" is significant as it suggests that the flowers are a symbol of hope and happiness. The speaker is filled with joy and happiness as he looks at the flowers.
The fourth stanza of the poem describes the beauty of the trees. The trees are described as "a cathedral of green" which is a powerful image that evokes a sense of awe and wonder. The use of the word "cathedral" is significant as it suggests that the trees are a symbol of spirituality and peace. The speaker is filled with a sense of peace and tranquility as he looks at the trees.
In the fifth stanza, the speaker describes the beauty of the mountains. The mountains are described as "a fortress of stone" which is a powerful image that evokes a sense of strength and power. The use of the word "fortress" is significant as it suggests that the mountains are a symbol of protection and security. The speaker is filled with a sense of security and safety as he looks at the mountains.
The final stanza of the poem describes the beauty of the world. The world is described as "a garden of delight" which is a powerful image that evokes a sense of joy and happiness. The use of the word "garden" is significant as it suggests that the world is a place of growth and beauty. The speaker is filled with a sense of wonder and amazement as he looks at the world.
The language used in this poem is simple and straightforward. The use of imagery is powerful and evocative. The poem is written in free verse which gives it a natural and organic feel. The use of repetition in the poem is significant as it emphasizes the beauty of nature and the joy it brings to our lives.
The themes of this poem are the beauty of nature, the joy it brings to our lives, and the importance of being present in the moment. The poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of nature and to be present in the moment. It reminds us that nature is a source of joy and happiness and that we should take the time to appreciate it.
In conclusion, Robert Service's "Awake To Smile" is a beautiful tribute to the beauty of nature and the joy it brings to our lives. The poem is filled with powerful imagery and language that evokes a sense of awe and wonder. The themes of the poem are important reminders of the importance of being present in the moment and appreciating the beauty of nature. This poem is a classic example of the power of poetry to awaken the soul and inspire us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
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