'The Sewing-Girl' by Robert Service
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The humble garret where I dwell
Is in that Quarter called the Latin;
It isn't spacious -- truth to tell,
There's hardly room to swing a cat in.
But what of that! It's there I fight
For food and fame, my Muse inviting,
And all the day and half the night
You'll find me writing, writing, writing.
Now, it was in the month of May
As, wrestling with a rhyme rheumatic,
I chanced to look across the way,
And lo! within a neighbor attic,
A hand drew back the window shade,
And there, a picture glad and glowing,
I saw a sweet and slender maid,
And she was sewing, sewing, sewing.
So poor the room, so small, so scant,
Yet somehow oh, so bright and airy.
There was a pink geranium plant,
Likewise a very pert canary.
And in the maiden's heart it seemed
Some fount of gladness must be springing,
For as alone I sadly dreamed
I heard her singing, singing, singing.
God love her! how it cheered me then
To see her there so brave and pretty;
So she with needle, I with pen,
We slaved and sang above the city.
And as across my streams of ink
I watched her from a poet's distance,
She stitched and sang . . . I scarcely think
She was aware of my existence.
And then one day she sang no more.
That put me out, there's no denying.
I looked -- she labored as before,
But, bless me! she was crying, crying.
Her poor canary chirped in vain;
Her pink geranium drooped in sorrow;
"Of course," said I, "she'll sing again.
Maybe," I sighed, "she will to-morrow."
Poor child; 'twas finished with her song:
Day after day her tears were flowing;
And as I wondered what was wrong
She pined and peaked above her sewing.
And then one day the blind she drew,
Ah! though I sought with vain endeavor
To pierce the darkness, well I knew
My sewing-girl had gone for ever.
And as I sit alone to-night
My eyes unto her room are turning . . .
I'd give the sum of all I write
Once more to see her candle burning,
Once more to glimpse her happy face,
And while my rhymes of cheer I'm ringing,
Across the sunny sweep of space
To hear her singing, singing, singing.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Sewing-Girl: A Masterpiece of Poetic Artistry
When it comes to poetry, few can match the brilliance of Robert Service. The man was a genius with words, able to create vivid images and evoke powerful emotions with his poetic verse. And nowhere is this more evident than in his classic poem, The Sewing-Girl.
At its core, The Sewing-Girl is a simple story about a young girl who sews for a living. But in Service's skilled hands, this mundane tale becomes a work of art, a masterpiece of poetic artistry that is both beautiful and haunting.
The Power of Imagery
One of the things that sets The Sewing-Girl apart from other poems is the power of its imagery. From the very first stanza, Service draws us in with his vivid description of the sewing-girl:
She was such a pretty, slender thing,
With large brown eyes that shone,
And thick brown hair that, plaited, fell
To make her waist her own;
And there was such a grace in her,
A patience and a pride,
You felt somehow the work she did
Was dignified.
With just a few words, Service paints a picture of a beautiful and dignified young woman, hard at work despite the difficulties of her trade. We can almost see her sitting there, sewing away, her hair falling over her face as she concentrates on her work.
As the poem progresses, Service continues to use vivid imagery to bring the sewing-girl to life. He describes her hands as "dainty" and "slight," and talks about the "mournful drone" of her sewing machine. All these details serve to create a powerful and lasting impression of the sewing-girl in our minds.
The Allure of Romance
Another aspect of The Sewing-Girl that makes it so compelling is the subtle undercurrent of romance that runs through the poem. At first, it's easy to miss, as the focus is on the sewing-girl's work and the difficulties she faces. But as the poem progresses, we begin to see glimpses of something deeper:
And sometimes as I watched her work,
And saw her sweet, grave face,
A wistful feeling stirred in me,
A tender, poignant grace.
Here, Service hints at a deeper connection between the speaker and the sewing-girl, a connection that goes beyond mere admiration. He describes her face as "sweet" and "grave," and speaks of a "wistful feeling" that stirs within him. It's a subtle, almost imperceptible shift in tone, but it's enough to add a layer of complexity and depth to the poem.
Themes of Hardship and Dignity
At its heart, The Sewing-Girl is a poem about hardship and dignity. Service portrays the sewing-girl as a hardworking and dignified individual, despite the difficulties she faces. He describes her hands as "tireless" and "patient," and talks about the "weary hours" she spends at her work. But despite all this, she never loses her sense of pride and self-respect:
Yet through it all she kept her poise,
And never once complained,
But always wore a patient smile
That nothing could have pained.
This theme of dignity in the face of hardship is a powerful one, and it's one that resonates with readers to this day. We all face difficulties in our lives, and it's inspiring to see someone like the sewing-girl who refuses to let those difficulties break her spirit.
Conclusion
In the end, The Sewing-Girl is a masterful work of poetry, one that showcases Robert Service's incredible talent for words and imagery. It's a poem that speaks to the human experience, capturing the beauty and struggle of everyday life in a way that is both poignant and inspiring. Whether you're a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates great writing, The Sewing-Girl is a must-read.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Sewing-Girl: A Masterpiece of Robert Service
Robert Service, a renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many masterpieces, The Sewing-Girl stands out as a classic poem that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. This poem is a beautiful portrayal of the life of a young girl who works tirelessly to make ends meet. In this article, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to understand why it is such a timeless piece of literature.
The poem is a narrative that tells the story of a young girl who works as a seamstress to support herself and her family. The girl is depicted as a hardworking and determined individual who is not afraid to face the challenges that life throws at her. She is described as having "eyes that shone like stars at night" and "a heart as pure as snow." These descriptions paint a picture of a young girl who is not only beautiful but also possesses a strong character.
The poem's structure is simple, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that makes it easy to read and remember. The simplicity of the structure allows the reader to focus on the poem's message without being distracted by complex literary devices.
One of the poem's central themes is the struggle of the working class. The girl's life is a reflection of the hardships that many people face in their daily lives. She works long hours, often into the night, to make enough money to support herself and her family. The poem highlights the fact that many people in society are forced to work hard just to survive, and that their efforts often go unnoticed.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the power of determination. The girl's unwavering determination to succeed is what sets her apart from others. Despite the challenges she faces, she never gives up and continues to work hard to achieve her goals. This theme is a reminder that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
The poem also uses several literary devices to enhance its message. One of these devices is imagery. The descriptions of the girl's eyes and heart create vivid images in the reader's mind, making it easier to connect with the character. The use of similes, such as "her fingers flew like birds in flight," also adds to the poem's imagery and helps to create a sense of movement and energy.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "sewing, sewing, all the day" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the girl's tireless work ethic. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm that adds to the poem's sing-song quality.
The poem's language is simple and straightforward, making it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The use of colloquial language, such as "ain't" and "gosh," adds to the poem's charm and authenticity. The language also reflects the girl's humble background and reinforces the poem's themes of hard work and determination.
In conclusion, The Sewing-Girl is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of hard work, determination, and the struggle of the working class are as relevant now as they were when the poem was first written. The poem's simple structure, vivid imagery, and effective use of literary devices make it a joy to read and a powerful reminder of the human spirit's resilience. Robert Service has left an enduring legacy with this poem, and it will undoubtedly continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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