'His Boys' by Robert Service
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"I'm going, Billy, old fellow. Hist, lad! Don't make any noise.
There's Boches to beat all creation, the pitch of a bomb away.
I've fixed the note to your collar, you've got to get back to my Boys,
You've got to get back to warn 'em before it's the break of day."
The order came to go forward to a trench-line traced on the map;
I knew the brass-hats had blundered, I knew and I told 'em so;
I knew if I did as they ordered I would tumble into a trap,
And I tried to explain, but the answer came like a pistol: "Go."
Then I thought of the Boys I commanded -- I always called them "my Boys" --
The men of my own recruiting, the lads of my countryside;
Tested in many a battle, I knew their sorrows and joys,
And I loved them all like a father, with more than a father's pride.
To march my Boys to a shambles as soon as the dawn of day;
To see them helplessly slaughtered, if all that I guessed was true;
My Boys that trusted me blindly, I thought and I tried to pray,
And then I arose and I muttered: "It's either them or it's you."
I rose and I donned my rain-coat; I buckled my helmet tight.
I remember you watched me, Billy, as I took my cane in my hand;
I vaulted over the sandbags into the pitchy night,
Into the pitted valley that served us as No Man's Land.
I strode out over the hollow of hate and havoc and death,
From the heights the guns were angry, with a vengeful snarling of steel;
And once in a moment of stillness I heard hard panting breath,
And I turned . . . it was you, old rascal, following hard on my heel.
I fancy I cursed you, Billy; but not so much as I ought!
And so we went forward together, till we came to the valley rim,
And then a star-shell sputtered . . . it was even worse than I thought,
For the trench they told me to move in was packed with Boche to the brim.
They saw me too, and they got me; they peppered me till I fell;
And there I scribbled my message with my life-blood ebbing away;
"Now, Billy, you fat old duffer, you've got to get back like hell;
And get them to cancel that order before it's the dawn of day.
"Billy, old boy, I love you, I kiss your shiny black nose;
Now, home there. . . . Hurry, you devil, or I'll cut you to ribands. . . . See . . ."
Poor brute! he's off! and I'm dying. . . . I go as a soldier goes.
I'm happy. My Boys, God bless 'em! . . . It had to be them or me.
Editor 1 Interpretation
His Boys: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Are you a fan of poetry? Do you enjoy reading classic pieces that make you feel a range of emotions? If yes, then you must have come across Robert Service's "His Boys."
This 40-line poem is a masterpiece that captures the love of a father for his children. It tells a story of a man who, despite being in his twilight years, still finds joy in spending time with his boys. But what makes this poem stand out? Why is it still relevant decades after it was written? Let's dive in and find out.
Form and Structure
At first glance, "His Boys" appears to be a simple poem with a straightforward structure. It is made up of four stanzas, each with ten lines. The rhyme scheme is also simple, with an ABABCCDEDE pattern.
However, a closer look reveals that the poem is more complex than it appears. The author uses various literary devices such as repetition, imagery, and alliteration to bring out the emotions of the characters.
The poem's pace is slow and steady, mirroring the leisurely life of the father and his boys. The use of words such as "easy," "mild," and "gentle" gives a sense of calmness and peace. This contrasts with the hustle and bustle of modern life, making the poem even more appealing.
Themes
"His Boys" has several themes that make it a timeless classic. The primary theme is the love of a father for his children. The poem shows how the father enjoys spending time with his boys, taking them on walks, and even teaching them how to fish. This love is unconditional and lasts a lifetime, as seen in the final stanza where the father reminisces about his boys even after they have grown up and moved away.
Another theme is the passage of time. The father is old, and his boys have grown up and gone their separate ways. The poem captures the bittersweet feeling of watching children grow up and leave the nest. It is a reminder that time waits for no man and that we should cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.
The poem also touches on the importance of nature and how it can bring people together. The father takes his boys on walks in the woods and teaches them how to fish, creating unforgettable memories. Nature is a unifying force that can bridge gaps between people and create lasting bonds.
Imagery and Allusions
Service uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. He describes the woods as a "cathedral" and the stream as a "silken skein." These descriptions create mental images that transport the reader to the scene and make them feel like they are right there with the father and his boys.
The author also uses allusions to create deeper meaning. For example, the father's reference to the "wilderness of life" in the second stanza is a metaphor for the challenges one faces in life. The fact that the father is guiding his boys through this wilderness shows his wisdom and experience.
Another allusion is in the third stanza, where the father says, "I'll teach them how to fish." This is a nod to the Bible, where Jesus tells his disciples that he will make them "fishers of men." The father's desire to teach his boys how to fish can be interpreted as his desire to pass down his wisdom and knowledge to the next generation.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "His Boys" is a timeless classic that captures the love of a father for his children. It is a reminder to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones and to create lasting memories. The poem's simple structure and pace make it easy to read and understand, while the use of imagery and allusions adds depth and meaning.
Robert Service's "His Boys" is a masterpiece that deserves to be read and enjoyed by generations to come. It is a tribute to fatherhood and the unbreakable bond between a father and his children.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
His Boys: A Poem of Brotherhood and Adventure
Robert Service's poem "His Boys" is a classic piece of literature that captures the essence of brotherhood and adventure. The poem tells the story of a man who takes a group of boys under his wing and teaches them the ways of the world. Through his guidance, the boys learn valuable lessons about life, love, and the importance of friendship.
The poem begins with the narrator describing the man who takes the boys under his wing. He is a rugged, weather-beaten man who has seen his fair share of the world. He is a man who has lived a life of adventure and has many stories to tell. The boys are immediately drawn to him, and they look up to him as a father figure.
The man takes the boys on many adventures, and they learn valuable lessons along the way. They learn about the importance of hard work and perseverance. They learn about the beauty of nature and the importance of respecting it. They learn about the value of friendship and the importance of sticking together through thick and thin.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes when the man teaches the boys about love. He tells them that love is the most important thing in the world, and that they should never take it for granted. He tells them that love is what makes life worth living, and that they should always cherish it.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The man tells the boys that life is short, and that they should make the most of every moment. He tells them that they should never waste a single day, and that they should always live life to the fullest.
Throughout the poem, the narrator uses vivid imagery to bring the story to life. He describes the rugged landscape that the boys explore, and he paints a picture of the man who leads them. He also uses powerful metaphors to convey the deeper meaning of the story. For example, he compares the man to a captain who leads his crew through stormy seas.
In addition to its powerful themes and vivid imagery, "His Boys" is also a beautifully written poem. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and his use of language is nothing short of stunning. He uses rhyme and meter to create a musical quality to the poem, and his use of repetition adds to its emotional impact.
In conclusion, "His Boys" is a classic poem that captures the essence of brotherhood and adventure. Through its powerful themes, vivid imagery, and beautiful language, it tells a story that is both timeless and universal. It reminds us of the importance of hard work, perseverance, friendship, and love. It encourages us to make the most of every moment and to live life to the fullest. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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