'Old Ed' by Robert Service
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Our cowman, old Ed, hadn't much in his head,
And lots of folks though him a witling;
But he wasn't a fool, for he always kept cool,
And his sole recreation was whittling.
When I'd spill him my woes (ifantile, I suppose),
He'd harken and whittle and whittle;
then when I had done, turn his quid and say: "Son,
Ye're a-drownin' yerself in yer spittle."
He's gone to his grave, but the counsel he gave
I've proved in predicaments trying;
When I got in a stew, feeling ever so blue,
My failures and faults magnifying,
I'd think of old Ed as he sniffed and he said:
"Shaw! them things don't mater a tittle.
Ye darned little cuss, why make such a full?
Ye're a-drownin' yerself in yer spittle."
When you're tangled with care till you're up in the air,
And worry and fear have you quaking,
When each tiny trouble seems bigger than double,
Till mountains of mole-hills you're making:
Go easy, my friend, things click in the end,
But maybe 'twill help you a little,
If you take Ed's advise (though it may not sound nice):
Ye're a-drownin' yerself in yer spittle."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Old Ed: A Critique
Ah, Old Ed! What a poem this is! Robert Service has done it again! He has taken a simple story and turned it into an epic poem that tugs at the heartstrings. The poem tells the story of Old Ed, a man who has seen the world and its cruelty, yet still finds joy in the little things.
The Structure of the Poem
The poem is a ballad, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. It has four stanzas, each containing eight lines. The meter of the poem is iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four iambs, or metrical feet. The poem also has a refrain, which is repeated at the end of each stanza, signaling the passing of time.
The Theme of the Poem
The poem explores the theme of aging and mortality. Old Ed is a man who has seen his share of life and death. He has been hurt and beaten, but he has also found joy and love. As he grows old, he realizes that he has lived a full life, and he is content with what he has accomplished.
The Use of Imagery
Service uses vivid imagery to bring Old Ed's world to life. He describes the flowers in the meadow, the birds in the sky, and the sun setting over the hills. He also uses imagery to show the contrast between Old Ed's life and the lives of the people around him. While the others are concerned with wealth and status, Old Ed is content to sit in his garden and watch the world go by.
The Use of Language
Service's use of language is simple and direct, yet it has a powerful impact on the reader. He uses words like "weary," "grey," and "slow" to describe Old Ed's aging body. He also uses repetition to emphasize the passing of time, as seen in the refrain "And I'm growin' old."
The Symbolism in the Poem
The poem also uses symbolism to convey its message. The flowers in the meadow represent the beauty of life, while the weeds represent the pain and suffering that come with it. The garden that Old Ed tends to symbolizes his life, which he has nurtured and cared for over the years. And the sun setting over the hills represents the end of Old Ed's life, as he watches the world slip away.
The Use of Irony
Service also employs irony in the poem. Despite his age, Old Ed is still able to find joy in the world, while the younger generation is consumed by their own desires. They are blinded by their greed and ambition, while Old Ed is able to see the beauty in the world around him.
The Message of the Poem
The message of the poem is clear: life is short, and we should enjoy it while we can. Old Ed has lived a full life, and he is content with what he has accomplished. He has found joy in the little things, and he is at peace with his own mortality.
In conclusion, Old Ed is a beautiful poem that explores the theme of aging and mortality. It uses vivid imagery, powerful language, and symbolism to convey its message. It shows us that life is short, and we should cherish every moment we have. It also reminds us that the beauty of life can be found in the simplest things. Robert Service has created a masterpiece, and Old Ed will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Old Ed: A Poem of Life and Legacy
Robert Service’s classic poem, Old Ed, is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of life and legacy. With its vivid imagery and powerful message, the poem speaks to the heart of every reader, reminding us of the importance of living a life of purpose and leaving a lasting impact on the world.
The poem tells the story of Old Ed, a man who has lived a long and fulfilling life, and is now nearing the end of his journey. As he reflects on his life, he realizes that he has not achieved all that he had hoped for, and that he has made mistakes along the way. However, he also realizes that he has left a positive impact on the world, and that his legacy will live on long after he is gone.
The poem begins with Old Ed sitting by the fire, reflecting on his life. He thinks about the dreams he had as a young man, and how he had hoped to achieve great things. However, as he grew older, he realized that life is not always easy, and that he had made mistakes along the way. Despite this, he is content with the life he has lived, and he knows that he has left a positive impact on the world.
As the poem progresses, Old Ed begins to reflect on the legacy he will leave behind. He thinks about the people he has touched throughout his life, and how he has made a difference in their lives. He realizes that his legacy is not just about the things he has accomplished, but also about the people he has helped along the way.
The poem reaches its climax when Old Ed is visited by a young man who is seeking guidance. The young man is lost and unsure of his path in life, and he turns to Old Ed for wisdom. Old Ed shares his life story with the young man, and tells him about the mistakes he has made and the lessons he has learned. He encourages the young man to live a life of purpose, and to make a positive impact on the world.
The poem ends with Old Ed passing away, but his legacy lives on. The young man he mentored goes on to achieve great things, and he remembers the wisdom that Old Ed shared with him. The poem reminds us that our legacy is not just about what we accomplish in life, but also about the people we touch and the impact we have on the world.
One of the most powerful aspects of Old Ed is its use of imagery. Service paints a vivid picture of Old Ed sitting by the fire, reflecting on his life. We can almost feel the warmth of the fire and the weight of Old Ed’s memories as we read the poem. The imagery helps to bring the poem to life, and makes it easier for readers to connect with Old Ed and his story.
Another important aspect of the poem is its message about legacy. Old Ed realizes that his legacy is not just about the things he has accomplished, but also about the people he has helped along the way. This is a powerful reminder that our impact on the world is not just about what we achieve, but also about the people we touch and the lives we change.
The poem also speaks to the importance of living a life of purpose. Old Ed encourages the young man to live a life of purpose, and to make a positive impact on the world. This is a message that is just as relevant today as it was when the poem was written. In a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, it is important to remember that we all have the power to make a difference.
In conclusion, Old Ed is a timeless masterpiece that speaks to the heart of every reader. With its vivid imagery and powerful message, the poem reminds us of the importance of living a life of purpose and leaving a lasting impact on the world. As we reflect on our own lives, we can learn from Old Ed’s story and strive to make a positive difference in the world around us.
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