'The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones' by Robert Service


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We couldn't sit and study for the law;
The stagnation of a bank we couldn't stand;
For our riot blood was surging, and we didn't need much urging
To excitements and excesses that are banned.
So we took to wine and drink and other things,
And the devil in us struggled to be free;
Till our friends rose up in wrath, and they pointed out the path,
And they paid our debts and packed us o'er the sea.

Oh, they shook us off and shipped us o'er the foam,
To the larger lands that lure a man to roam;
And we took the chance they gave
Of a far and foreign grave,
And we bade good-by for evermore to home.

And some of us are climbing on the peak,
And some of us are camping on the plain;
By pine and palm you'll find us, with never claim to bind us,
By track and trail you'll meet us once again.

We are the fated serfs to freedom -- sky and sea;
We have failed where slummy cities overflow;
But the stranger ways of earth know our pride and know our worth,
And we go into the dark as fighters go.

Yes, we go into the night as brave men go,
Though our faces they be often streaked with woe;
Yet we're hard as cats to kill,
And our hearts are reckless still,
And we've danced with death a dozen times or so.

And you'll find us in Alaska after gold,
And you'll find us herding cattle in the South.
We like strong drink and fun, and, when the race is run,
We often die with curses in our mouth.
We are wild as colts unbroke, but never mean.
Of our sins we've shoulders broad to bear the blame;
But we'll never stay in town and we'll never settle down,
And we'll never have an object or an aim.

No, there's that in us that time can never tame;
And life will always seem a careless game;
And they'd better far forget --
Those who say they love us yet --
Forget, blot out with bitterness our name.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever felt a restless urge to break free from the monotony of everyday life and embark on a wild adventure? To throw caution to the wind and pursue your dreams with reckless abandon? If so, then The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones by Robert Service is the poem for you.

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple rhyming narrative about a group of young men who set out to explore the world and live life to the fullest. However, upon closer examination, one can uncover a deeper meaning and message that transcends the surface level story.

The Narrative

The poem is structured as a series of stanzas, each containing four lines of rhyming couplets. It tells the tale of a group of restless young men who are consumed by wanderlust and adventure. They leave the comfort of their homes and set out on a journey to explore the unknown.

The narrator describes the men as "reckless ones" who are "afire with a mad desire to know". They are not content with the mundane existence of their everyday lives and are driven by a need to experience the world and all its wonders.

As they journey forth, they encounter a variety of obstacles and challenges, from rough seas to hostile locals. Yet, they press on, undeterred by the dangers that lie ahead. They refuse to be bound by the limitations of their society and instead choose to embrace the freedom and excitement of the open road.

The Theme

At its core, The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones is a celebration of the human spirit and the desire for adventure. It speaks to the innate human desire to explore and experience the world around us. The poem encourages us to break free from the constraints of our everyday lives and embrace the thrill of the unknown.

However, there is also a cautionary tale hidden within the narrative. The poem warns of the dangers that come with reckless abandon and the potential consequences of ignoring the rules and norms of society. The men in the poem are often portrayed as being rash and impulsive, acting without regard for their own safety or the safety of others.

In addition, there is also a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. The poem was written in the early 20th century, a time when the world was still largely unexplored and full of mystery. There is a sense of longing for a time when adventure and discovery were still possible, before the world became too small and too familiar.

The Language

One of the most striking elements of the poem is the use of language. Robert Service is a master of rhyme and rhythm, and the poem is full of clever wordplay and memorable phrases. The poem is written in a simple, yet effective style that conveys the message of the narrative without being overly complex or difficult to understand.

The use of repetition is also prevalent throughout the poem, with certain phrases and lines being repeated for emphasis. For example, the opening lines of the poem, "We are the restless ones / With a strange desire / Like poignant ghosts that cling / To the wild dusk-fire" are repeated several times throughout the narrative, reinforcing the theme of the poem.

The Interpretation

The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones is a poem that can be interpreted in a variety of ways, depending on one's perspective. Some may see it as a celebration of youth and adventure, while others may view it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of recklessness and impulsivity.

One possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the human condition. The men in the poem are driven by a desire to explore and discover, a desire that is inherent in all of us. However, their actions are often misguided and reckless, leading to unintended consequences.

Another interpretation is that the poem is a critique of society and the constraints that it places on individuals. The men in the poem are rebelling against the norms and expectations of their society, choosing instead to follow their own desires and passions. However, their actions are shown to have negative consequences, suggesting that there is a balance that must be struck between individual freedom and societal responsibility.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It speaks to the universal human desire for adventure and exploration, while also warning of the potential dangers and consequences of recklessness and impulsivity.

Through its use of language and repetition, the poem conveys a powerful message about the human condition and the importance of balance and responsibility. Whether read as a celebration of youth and adventure or a cautionary tale about the dangers of recklessness, The Rhyme Of The Restless Ones is a poem that is sure to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Rhyme of the Restless Ones: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

As a lover of poetry, I have always been fascinated by the works of Robert Service, a Canadian poet who is known for his vivid and powerful descriptions of life in the Yukon. One of his most famous poems, The Rhyme of the Restless Ones, is a masterpiece that captures the spirit of adventure and wanderlust that drives many of us to explore the world around us.

The poem tells the story of a group of restless young men who are eager to leave their mundane lives behind and set out on a journey to see the world. They are driven by a deep sense of curiosity and a desire to experience all that life has to offer, and they are willing to risk everything to achieve their dreams.

The poem begins with a description of the men's departure from their hometown, as they set out on a ship bound for foreign lands. The opening lines of the poem are some of the most powerful and evocative in all of literature, as Service paints a vivid picture of the men's excitement and anticipation:

"We were a band of restless men who bore the yoke of care, And each one wore upon his back a burden of despair. Yet one of us would oft-times raise his eyes unto the sky, And gaze upon the distant hills with longing in his eye."

These lines capture the essence of the poem, as they describe the men's desire to break free from the constraints of their everyday lives and seek out new adventures. The use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of urgency and excitement that draws the reader in and makes them feel as though they are part of the journey.

As the poem progresses, the men encounter a series of challenges and obstacles that test their resolve and their courage. They face storms at sea, hostile natives, and treacherous terrain, but they never lose sight of their goal. They continue to press forward, driven by their sense of adventure and their desire to see the world.

One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes when the men encounter a group of natives who are hostile and aggressive. The men are forced to defend themselves, and they do so with courage and determination. The scene is a powerful reminder of the dangers that can arise when one ventures into unknown territory, but it also highlights the bravery and resilience of the human spirit.

Throughout the poem, Service uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of rhythm and flow that adds to the overall impact of the work. He uses rhyme, repetition, and alliteration to create a musical quality that draws the reader in and makes the poem easy to remember and recite.

At its core, The Rhyme of the Restless Ones is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of adventure. It reminds us that life is short and that we should make the most of every moment, exploring the world around us and seeking out new experiences. It is a poem that inspires us to be brave, to take risks, and to never lose sight of our dreams.

In conclusion, The Rhyme of the Restless Ones is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of adventure and the human spirit, and it continues to inspire readers today. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression on you. So why not take a moment to read it today and see for yourself why it is considered one of the greatest works of literature of all time?

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