'Birthday' by Robert Service
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(16th January 1949)
I thank whatever gods may be
For all the happiness that's mine;
That I am festive, fit and free
To savour women, wit and wine;
That I may game of golf enjoy,
And have a formidable drive:
In short, that I'm a gay old boy
Though I be
Seventy-and-five.
My daughter thinks. because I'm old
(I'm not a crock, when all is said),
I mustn't let my feet get cold,
And should wear woollen socks in bed;
A worsted night-cap too, forsooth!
To humour her I won't contrive:
A man is in his second youth
When he is
Seventy-and-five.
At four-score years old age begins,
And not till then, I warn my wife;
At eighty I'll recant my sins,
And live a staid and sober life.
But meantime let me whoop it up,
And tell the world that I'm alive:
Fill to the brim the bubbly cup -
Here's health to
Seventy-and-five!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Birthday by Robert Service: A Celebration of Life and Death
Have you ever wondered why we celebrate birthdays? Is it merely a reminder of the passing of time, or is there something more profound to it? Robert Service's "Birthday" is a poem that explores this question in a poignant and profound way.
First published in 1917, "Birthday" is a short but powerful poem that captures the essence of what it means to be alive in this world. The poem is written in Service's signature style, which is a blend of simple language, vivid imagery, and a touch of humor. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices, and offer my own understanding and appreciation of this classic work.
Themes
At its core, "Birthday" is a celebration of life and death. The poem begins with a simple and straightforward statement: "Let us have birthdays every day." On the surface, this may seem like a frivolous wish, but as the poem progresses, we realize that Service is talking about something deeper and more profound.
The poem is structured in three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the theme of life and death. In the first stanza, Service talks about the joy of being alive, of feeling the wind on our face and the sun on our skin. He paints a vivid picture of the beauty and wonder of the natural world, and reminds us to appreciate it while we can.
In the second stanza, Service shifts his focus to the inevitability of death. He reminds us that life is short, and that death is always lurking around the corner. "We're all the guests of Honor at / Grim Death's banquet table," he writes, "And when the feast is over, why, / We'll still be friends as able."
The final stanza brings the themes of life and death together in a poignant and powerful way. Service writes, "So let us have the cake and wine, / And laughing faces round the board; / Tomorrow we may die, but then / Today we are alive--ay, Lord!"
Structure
As I mentioned earlier, "Birthday" is structured in three stanzas, each of which consists of four lines. The poem follows a simple rhyming scheme (ABCB) and uses a consistent meter (iambic tetrameter). This gives the poem a sense of cohesion and balance, and makes it easy to read and remember.
But the poem's structure is more than just a matter of form. Each stanza serves a distinct purpose, and together they form a complete and coherent narrative. The first stanza sets the stage and establishes the poem's central theme. The second stanza introduces the idea of death, which adds depth and complexity to the poem. The final stanza brings everything together and offers a powerful conclusion that resonates with readers.
Literary Devices
Like all good poems, "Birthday" is rich with literary devices that add texture and depth to the poem. One of the most prominent literary devices in the poem is imagery. Service uses vivid and evocative language to paint a picture of the natural world, and to create a sense of joy and wonder in the first stanza. He writes of "the gladsome breeze," "the sun's kiss," and "the sea's blue floor." These images create a sense of beauty and vitality that is essential to the poem's message.
Another important literary device in "Birthday" is irony. Service uses irony to great effect in the second stanza, where he talks about death in a lighthearted and almost comical way. He writes of "Grim Death's banquet table," which is a clever and ironic way of describing the inevitability of death. This use of irony adds depth and complexity to the poem, and helps to balance the joyous tone of the first stanza.
Finally, the poem makes use of repetition to reinforce its central message. The phrase "let us have birthdays every day" is repeated several times throughout the poem, which creates a sense of urgency and importance. This repetition serves to remind us of the poem's central theme, and to encourage us to appreciate the beauty of life while we can.
Interpretation
So what does "Birthday" mean, exactly? To me, the poem is a celebration of life in all its beauty and complexity. It reminds us to appreciate the natural world, to cherish our relationships with others, and to live life to the fullest while we can. At the same time, the poem acknowledges the inevitability of death, and encourages us to face it with courage and dignity.
But the poem is more than just a celebration of life and a meditation on death. It is also a reminder of the fleeting nature of existence, and of the importance of living in the present moment. So often we get caught up in the past or the future, worrying about things that are beyond our control. But "Birthday" reminds us that today is all we have, and that we should make the most of it while we can.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "Birthday" is a classic poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of life, while acknowledging the inevitability of death. Through its vivid imagery, clever use of irony, and powerful repetition, the poem reminds us of the importance of living in the present moment, and of cherishing the relationships and experiences that make life worth living. As we celebrate our own birthdays, let us remember the message of this timeless poem, and strive to live our lives with joy, courage, and dignity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Birthday by Robert Service: A Celebration of Life and Love
Robert Service’s poem Birthday is a beautiful and touching tribute to the joys of life and the love that sustains us through its ups and downs. Written in Service’s signature style of simple yet powerful language, the poem captures the essence of what it means to be alive and to cherish the moments we have with those we love.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the passing of time and the inevitability of aging. He notes that “Time is a thief” and that “the years slip by so fast”. This sense of the fleeting nature of life is a common theme in Service’s work, and it is one that resonates deeply with readers of all ages. We all know that life is short, and that we must make the most of the time we have.
But despite this sense of urgency, the speaker is not despondent or resigned. Instead, he celebrates the fact that he has lived to see another year, and that he has the love of those around him to sustain him. He declares that “I’m glad I’m alive, am I”, and that “I’m glad I can breathe, and see, and talk, and think”. These simple statements are a powerful reminder of the many blessings we take for granted in our daily lives.
The poem then turns to a celebration of the speaker’s loved ones. He notes that “I’m glad I’ve got a wife”, and that “I’m glad I’ve got a son”. These lines are particularly poignant, as they speak to the deep connections we form with those closest to us. The love of a spouse and child is a source of strength and comfort in difficult times, and it is something to be cherished and celebrated.
The speaker goes on to describe the simple pleasures of life that bring him joy. He notes that “I’m glad I’ve got a fire to warm my frozen toes”, and that “I’m glad I’ve got a bed to ease my weary bones”. These lines are a reminder that it is often the small things in life that bring us the most happiness. A warm fire on a cold day, a comfortable bed after a long day’s work – these are the things that make life worth living.
The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as the speaker reflects on the meaning of life and the role of love in it. He notes that “Life is a privilege, it’s true”, and that “Love is the reason, it’s true”. These lines are a powerful reminder that life is a gift, and that it is our relationships with others that give it meaning. Without love, life would be empty and meaningless.
The poem concludes with a simple yet powerful declaration of the speaker’s gratitude for the life he has been given. He declares that “I’m glad I’m alive, am I”, and that “I’m glad I can breathe, and see, and talk, and think”. These lines are a reminder that life is a precious gift, and that we should be grateful for every moment we have.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem Birthday is a beautiful and touching tribute to the joys of life and the love that sustains us through its ups and downs. It is a celebration of the simple pleasures of life, the deep connections we form with those closest to us, and the meaning that love gives to our existence. It is a reminder that life is a gift, and that we should be grateful for every moment we have.
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