'Weary Waitress' by Robert Service
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Her smile ineffably is sweet,
Devinely she is slim;
Yet oh how weary are her feet,
How aches her every limb!
Thank God it's near to closing time,
--Merciful midnight chime.
Then in her mackintosh she'll go
Up seven flights of stairs,
And on her bed her body throw,
Too tired to say her prayers;
Yet not too sleepy to forget
Her cheap alarm to set.
She dreams . . . That lonely bank-clerk boy
Who comes each day for tea,--
Oh how his eyes light up with joy
Her comeliness to see!
And yet he is too shy to speak,
Far less to touch her cheek.
He dreams . . . If only I were King
I'd make of her my Queen.
If I were laureate I'd sing
Her loveliness serene.
--How wistfully romance can haunt
A city restaurant!
For as I watch that pensive pair
There stirs within my heart
From Arcady an April air
That shames the sordid mart:
A sense of Spring and singing rills,
--Love mid the daffodils.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Critical Analysis of Robert Service's "Weary Waitress"
Robert Service's poem "Weary Waitress" is a classic example of his ability to capture the essence of a character and their struggles in life. The poem follows the life of a waitress who works long hours in a diner, serving customers who are often rude and demanding. Throughout the poem, the reader is given a glimpse into the waitress's inner thoughts and feelings, as well as the toll that her job takes on her mentally and physically.
The Waitress's Struggle
The waitress in this poem is a hard-working woman who is dedicated to her job. She spends long hours on her feet, serving customers who are often rude and demanding. Despite her best efforts to provide excellent service, she is often met with complaints and criticism. This takes a toll on her mental and physical health, as she struggles to keep up with the demands of her job.
In the opening lines of the poem, the reader is immediately drawn into the waitress's world:
She's tired and tenacious, and starving for praise; She's weary of waiting - the long dreary days;
Here, we see the waitress's exhaustion and desire for recognition for her hard work. The phrase "weary of waiting" suggests that she has been working in this job for a long time, and is perhaps waiting for something better to come along. However, she is also "tenacious," suggesting that she has a stubborn determination to keep going, even when the going gets tough.
As the poem continues, we see the waitress's struggle to maintain her composure in the face of difficult customers:
She's patient and humble, with a smile on her face, While customers grumble and utter disgrace.
Here, we see the contrast between the waitress's patient and humble demeanor, and the rude and disrespectful behavior of some of her customers. The use of the word "disgrace" highlights the severity of their behavior, and the toll it takes on the waitress's emotional well-being.
The Waitress's Inner Thoughts
As the poem progresses, we are given a glimpse into the waitress's inner thoughts and feelings. At one point, she reflects on the monotony of her job:
She's caught in a rut, and she knows it, alas! She's sick of the kitchen, the counter, the gas;
Here, we see the waitress's frustration with the repetitive nature of her job. The use of the word "rut" suggests that she feels trapped in her current situation, with no way out. The mention of the "kitchen" and the "gas" highlights the physical nature of her work, and the toll it takes on her body.
Later in the poem, the waitress reflects on her own self-worth:
She knows she's a cog - but she's human, by God!
Here, we see the waitress's struggle to maintain her sense of self-worth in the face of a job that often makes her feel like a "cog" in a machine. The use of the word "human" emphasizes her desire to be seen as an individual, with her own thoughts, feelings, and desires.
The Waitress's Dream
The poem concludes with the waitress's dream of a better life:
She dreams of a home, and a husband, and kids, And a garden to grow in, and pies in the oven;
Here, we see the waitress's desire for a more fulfilling life outside of her job. The mention of a "home," a "husband," and "kids" suggests that she longs for a sense of stability and companionship. The mention of a "garden" and "pies in the oven" suggests a desire to create something of her own, and to take pride in her work.
Conclusion
Robert Service's "Weary Waitress" is a poignant and powerful poem that captures the struggles of a hard-working woman in a demanding job. Through Service's masterful use of language and vivid imagery, we are given a glimpse into the waitress's inner thoughts and feelings, as well as her dreams for a better life. The poem is a testament to the human spirit and the power of perseverance, even in the face of great adversity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Weary Waitress: A Poem of Resilience and Hope
Robert Service, the renowned poet of the Yukon, has left an indelible mark on the literary world with his vivid and evocative verses that capture the rugged beauty and harsh realities of life in the North. Among his many works, one poem that stands out for its poignant portrayal of human struggle and perseverance is "Weary Waitress."
Written in Service's signature style of rhyming couplets and simple language, "Weary Waitress" tells the story of a young woman who works long hours in a diner, serving food and drink to customers who are often rude and demanding. Despite her exhaustion and frustration, the waitress maintains a stoic and dignified demeanor, refusing to let her circumstances break her spirit.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the waitress's physical appearance, emphasizing her tired and worn-out appearance:
"She stands in the smoky dinery, With a look of patient woe, Her face is thin and haggard, And her feet are aching so."
These lines immediately establish the setting and tone of the poem, painting a picture of a dingy and depressing environment where the waitress is trapped in a cycle of drudgery and fatigue. The use of the word "patient" to describe her expression suggests that she has resigned herself to her fate and accepted the hardships of her job as a necessary evil.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about the waitress's inner thoughts and feelings, which reveal a complex and nuanced character. Despite her weariness and despair, she harbors a deep sense of pride and dignity, refusing to be reduced to a mere servant or object of pity:
"She has a pride that's all her own, And a courage grim and stout, And though she's tired and lonely, She will never whimper or pout."
These lines are particularly powerful in their depiction of the waitress's resilience and self-respect. Despite the indignities and hardships she faces on a daily basis, she refuses to give in to self-pity or despair, instead choosing to maintain her dignity and composure in the face of adversity.
The poem also touches on the theme of social inequality and class struggle, as the waitress is contrasted with the wealthy and privileged customers who frequent the diner:
"And there are men with wallets fat, Who swagger in and shout, And treat her like a servant girl, And never look about."
These lines highlight the stark contrast between the waitress's humble station in life and the ostentatious wealth and entitlement of the customers she serves. The use of the word "servant girl" is particularly telling, as it underscores the class divide between the working-class waitress and the affluent patrons who treat her with disdain and disrespect.
Despite these challenges, however, the waitress remains steadfast in her determination to persevere and overcome her circumstances. She finds solace in small moments of kindness and compassion, such as the smile of a friendly customer or the warmth of the stove on a cold winter's night:
"But when the night is bitter cold, And the snow is deep and white, She loves to stand beside the stove, And feel its glowing light."
These lines capture the simple pleasures and joys that sustain the waitress in her daily struggles, reminding us that even in the bleakest of circumstances, there is always hope and resilience to be found.
In conclusion, "Weary Waitress" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal themes of human struggle, resilience, and hope. Through its vivid imagery and poignant language, the poem captures the harsh realities of life for a working-class woman in the North, while also celebrating her strength, dignity, and courage in the face of adversity. As we read these lines, we are reminded of the power of poetry to illuminate the human experience and inspire us to greater empathy, compassion, and understanding.
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