'A Casualty' by Robert Service

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Ballads of a Bohemian (Book 4)That boy I took in the car last night,
With the body that awfully sagged away,
And the lips blood-crisped, and the eyes flame-bright,
And the poor hands folded and cold as clay --
Oh, I've thought and I've thought of him all the day.For the weary old doctor says to me:
"He'll only last for an hour or so.
Both of his legs below the knee
Blown off by a bomb. . . . So, lad, go slow,And please remember, he doesn't know."
So I tried to drive with never a jar;
And there was I cursing the road like mad,
When I hears a ghost of a voice from the car:
"Tell me, old chap, have I `copped it' bad?"
So I answers "No," and he says, "I'm glad.""Glad," says he, "for at twenty-two
Life's so splendid, I hate to go.
There's so much good that a chap might do,
And I've fought from the start and I've suffered so.
'Twould be hard to get knocked out now, you know.""Forget it," says I; then I drove awhile,
And I passed him a cheery word or two;
But he didn't answer for many a mile,
So just as the hospital hove in view,
Says I: "Is there nothing that I can do?"Then he opens his eyes and he smiles at me;
And he takes my hand in his trembling hold;
"Thank you -- you're far too kind," says he:
"I'm awfully comfy -- stay . . . let's see:
I fancy my blanket's come unrolled --
My feet, please wrap 'em -- they're cold . . . they're cold."

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Poetry, A Casualty": A Masterpiece of Poetic Irony

Robert Service, the master of narrative verse, is known for his vivid portrayals of rugged men and women who tackle life's challenges with courage, humor, and stoicism. His poem "Poetry, A Casualty" is a brilliant example of his artistry, blending irony, satire, and pathos in a powerful and timeless message about the fate of poetry in a world that values materialism over imagination, technology over nature, and money over spirit.

At first glance, the poem's title seems paradoxical: how can poetry be a casualty, a victim of war or disaster, when it is a form of art, a product of peace and beauty? But as we read on, we realize that Service is using the term "casualty" in a metaphorical sense, as a casualty of neglect, indifference, and ignorance. He is suggesting that poetry is not valued, appreciated, or understood by the majority of people, who are too busy with their daily routines, their gadgets, and their ambitions to appreciate the power and beauty of words that evoke emotions, memories, and dreams.

The poem's opening lines set the scene and the tone, with a touch of nostalgia and sarcasm:

Oh, it's all very well to say rhyme and tell And to versify quaint common things, But somehow or other, though you're clever as well, You don't get the run of the strings.

Here, Service is mocking the idea that poetry is an easy or frivolous pursuit, that it is just a matter of "rhyme and tell" or "versify quaint common things." He is suggesting that poetry is a craft that requires skill, talent, and passion, and that even the most clever poets may not be able to "get the run of the strings," to master the art of making words sing and dance.

The next stanza reinforces this idea, with a touch of irony and empathy:

You jingle and jangle, and strum and sing, You flutter and flit like a bird; Your mind goes hop, skip, like a three-year-old thing, And you haven't a sensible word.

Here, Service is describing the plight of the struggling poet, who tries to express his or her feelings and ideas with rhyme and rhythm, but ends up with a jumble of sounds and images, like a "three-year-old thing." He is suggesting that poetry is not just a matter of technique, but also of inspiration, intuition, and emotion, and that even the most sincere and passionate poets may not be able to convey their message in a clear and coherent way.

The third stanza introduces the central conflict of the poem, with a touch of irony and social commentary:

But let there be something that's worth while to tell, Some deed not entirely absurd, You may be a genius, but you'll never sell, For poetry's a drug on the market, my friend, And there isn't a corner in Hell.

Here, Service is noting the paradoxical nature of poetry as a form of expression that values quality over quantity, depth over shallowness, and beauty over utility. He is suggesting that poetry is not a commodity that can be marketed, sold, or measured by its popularity or profitability, but rather a gift that the poet offers to the world, without expecting anything in return. He is also suggesting that poetry is a marginalized form of art, a "drug on the market," that is overshadowed by other forms of entertainment and information that cater to the masses' appetite for instant gratification and distraction.

The fourth stanza reinforces this idea, with a touch of irony and disillusionment:

For poets themselves, they are shabby and thin, And often go hungry and cold; They have nothing to do with the prosperous din, And the things that are bought and sold.

Here, Service is painting a vivid picture of the life of a poet, as a person who is "shabby and thin," who struggles to make ends meet, and who is excluded from the mainstream of society. He is suggesting that poets are not just eccentric or romantic figures, but also social outcasts, who are not valued or respected by the majority of people, who see them as impractical, useless, or even dangerous.

The fifth and sixth stanzas offer a glimmer of hope and defiance, with a touch of irony and idealism:

They're a law unto themselves, the poetical crew, And they don't give a damn for the rest; They'll sing of the sky and the seas, and the blue, And the songs that are sung in the West.

So let us be grateful that they still exist, Those souls who are free from the mart, And let us take courage, though much be missed, For poetry springs from the heart.

Here, Service is celebrating the autonomy and independence of the poetical crew, the brave and stubborn souls who refuse to conform to the norms and values of the market, the media, and the masses. He is suggesting that poets are not just victims or casualties of a hostile world, but also heroes and rebels, who challenge the status quo, who defy the odds, and who inspire others with their vision and passion. He is also suggesting that poetry is not just a casualty, but also a source of hope and healing, a remedy for the soul's wounds and a guide for the mind's quest.

In conclusion, "Poetry, A Casualty" is a masterpiece of poetic irony, a powerful and poignant message about the fate of poetry in a world that values materialism over imagination, technology over nature, and money over spirit. Robert Service, with his skillful use of rhyme, rhythm, and imagery, has created a memorable and timeless poem that captures the essence of poetry as a form of art that speaks to the heart, the mind, and the spirit. His poem is a tribute to all the poets who have struggled, suffered, and sacrificed to keep the flame of poetry alive, and to all the readers who have found solace, inspiration, and joy in the words that poets weave.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to evoke emotions, stir up memories, and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "A Casualty" by Robert Service. This classic poem is a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of "A Casualty" and explore why it continues to resonate with readers today.

First published in 1916, "A Casualty" is a war poem that captures the brutality and senselessness of war. The poem tells the story of a soldier who is wounded in battle and left to die alone in no man's land. The soldier reflects on his life and the futility of war as he waits for death to claim him. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds.

The poem opens with the soldier lying wounded on the battlefield. He is alone and in pain, and he knows that his time is running out. He reflects on his life and the things that he will never get to do. He thinks about his family and his home, and he wonders if they will ever know what happened to him. The soldier's thoughts are interrupted by the sound of gunfire, and he realizes that the enemy is approaching.

As the enemy draws closer, the soldier becomes resigned to his fate. He knows that he will not survive, and he accepts his death with a sense of calm acceptance. He thinks about the futility of war and the senseless loss of life that it causes. He wonders why men fight and kill each other, and he realizes that there is no good reason for it.

The soldier's thoughts turn to his comrades who have also been killed in the war. He thinks about the sacrifices that they have made and the families that they have left behind. He wonders if their deaths were worth it, and he realizes that they were not. He knows that the war has caused too much pain and suffering, and he wishes that it could all be undone.

As the soldier's thoughts drift away, he becomes aware of a strange sensation. He feels as though he is floating above his body, and he realizes that he has died. He looks down at his lifeless body and feels a sense of detachment. He knows that he has left the world behind, and he wonders what lies ahead.

The poem ends with the soldier's final thoughts. He reflects on the beauty of life and the tragedy of war. He knows that he will be remembered as a casualty of war, but he hopes that his death will serve as a reminder of the senselessness of war. He hopes that future generations will learn from the mistakes of the past and work towards a more peaceful world.

In conclusion, "A Casualty" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the horrors of war and the sacrifices made by soldiers. Robert Service's simple yet evocative style makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first published over a century ago. The poem serves as a reminder of the futility of war and the importance of working towards a more peaceful world. It is a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers, and it is a tribute to the human spirit in the face of adversity.

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