'Resignation' by Robert Service
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I'd hate to be centipede (of legs I've only two),
For if new trousers I should need (as oftentimes I do),
The bill would come to such a lot 'twould tax an Astorbilt,
Or else I'd have to turn a Scot and caper in a kilt.
I'm jolly glad I haven't got a neck like a giraffe.
I'd want to tie it in a knot and shorten it by half.
or, as I wear my collars high, how laundry men would gloat!
And what a lot of beer I'd buy to lubricate my throat!
I'd hate to be a goldfish, snooping round a crystal globe,
A naughty little bold fish, that distains chemise of robe.
The public stare I couldn't bear, if naked as a stone,
And when my toilet I prepare, I'd rather be alone.
I'd hate to be an animal, an insect or a fish.
To be the least like bird or beast I've not the slightest wish.
It's best I find to be resigned, and stick to Nature's plan:
Content am I to live and die, just - Ordinary MAN.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Resignation by Robert Service: A Poem of Reflection and Acceptance
Are you looking for a poem that will leave you pondering about life's biggest questions? Look no further than Robert Service's "Resignation." This classic poem, first published in 1913, is a timeless ode to the human condition and the inevitable struggles that we all face.
At its core, "Resignation" is about acceptance. It's about coming to terms with the fact that life is full of ups and downs, and that we must learn to weather the storms and enjoy the sunshine when it comes. Service's use of vivid imagery and powerful metaphors makes this message all the more poignant.
The Struggle of Life
The poem begins with an acknowledgment of the hardships that we all face in life:
I'd hate to be centipede (of legs I've only two), For if new boots I want, why then I have to buy a few; And if I had a lot of things that I was forced to pack, I'd have to hire a warehouse and I'd soon be on the rack.
Here, Service is using humor to make a serious point. The centipede, with its many legs, may seem to have an advantage over humans. But in reality, having too many possessions or responsibilities can be a burden.
The poem then takes a darker turn as Service reflects on the pain and suffering that we all experience:
It's hard to lose a loved one or to know you're not loved back, And it's hard to be a cripple or to have a hunchback; It's hard to have a conscience and to wrestle with a wrong, And it's hard to be a failure and to know where you belong.
These lines are a testament to Service's skill as a poet. He is able to capture the universal experience of pain and struggle, while also acknowledging that each person's experience is unique. Whether it's losing a loved one, dealing with a physical disability, or grappling with the weight of our own conscience, we all face our own challenges in life.
Acceptance and Resignation
Despite the difficulties of life, Service ultimately comes to a place of acceptance and resignation. He writes:
But it's good to be a human and to know the world is wide, And that life is largely what we make it, and we need not hide Our little rays of sunshine or keep our sorrows sealed, For a kindly God who made us knows exactly how we feel.
In these lines, Service is urging us to embrace the beauty of life even in the face of adversity. Yes, life can be difficult, but it's also full of wonder and joy. And ultimately, we can find comfort in the knowledge that we are not alone – that there is a higher power who understands our struggles and is there to guide us through them.
Metaphors and Imagery
What makes "Resignation" such a powerful poem is Service's use of vivid metaphors and imagery. He paints a picture of life as a journey, with its twists and turns and unexpected detours. Consider these lines:
Life's a game that must be played, but we cannot win or lose, And we're always lost and found again in the shuffle of the clues.
Here, Service is using the metaphor of a game to describe life. We are all players in this game, but there is no clear path to victory. Instead, we must navigate the clues and challenges that come our way, never quite sure where we'll end up.
Another powerful metaphor comes later in the poem, when Service describes life as a river:
Life's a river that must run, sometimes smooth and sometimes rough, And you've got to swim it, brother, though it's rocky, steep and tough.
This metaphor is particularly effective because it captures the ebb and flow of life. Sometimes things are smooth sailing, and other times the rapids are treacherous. But no matter what, we must keep swimming – keep moving forward.
Finally, Service uses imagery to vividly describe the emotions that come with acceptance and resignation. He writes:
When we come to the end of it, and are done with trying to cope, And we've given up our yearnings and we've thrown away our hope, And we're old and sick and feeble, and we're weary to the bone, We can doff our caps and smile and say, well, we are not alone.
The image of an old, weary person doffing their cap and smiling is a powerful one. It suggests a sense of peace and contentment – a recognition that, no matter what life throws our way, we are not alone.
Conclusion
"Resignation" is a powerful poem that speaks to the human experience in a way that few other works of literature can. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and keen insight into the human condition, Robert Service has created a timeless ode to acceptance and resignation. Whether you are facing difficult times or simply looking for a deeper understanding of what it means to be human, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impact.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Resignation: A Poem of Acceptance and Letting Go
Robert Service, the renowned poet of the early 20th century, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One such poem that stands out is "Resignation," a beautiful piece that speaks of acceptance and letting go. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by Service to convey his message.
The poem begins with the speaker expressing his desire to escape the world's chaos and find peace in nature. He longs to be free from the hustle and bustle of the city and its materialistic pursuits. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker's desire for solitude and peace is a recurring theme throughout.
The second stanza introduces the concept of resignation, as the speaker acknowledges that he cannot escape the world's troubles entirely. He accepts that life is full of challenges and that he must face them head-on. The use of the word "resignation" in the title and throughout the poem suggests that the speaker has come to terms with his situation and is ready to move forward.
The third stanza is where the poem's true beauty lies. Service uses vivid imagery to describe the natural world around the speaker, painting a picture of a serene and peaceful landscape. The use of words like "azure," "sapphire," and "emerald" creates a sense of calm and tranquility, contrasting with the chaos of the city described in the first stanza.
The fourth stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker realizes that he cannot escape his problems entirely. However, he accepts that he can find solace in nature and that it is okay to let go of his worries and fears. The final lines of the poem, "I'll take the peace of the wild things, / Their wisdom of meekness and love," suggest that the speaker has found a new perspective on life, one that values simplicity and humility over material possessions.
The structure of the poem is simple, with four stanzas of four lines each. The consistent rhyme scheme (ABCB) adds to the poem's musicality and makes it easy to read aloud. The use of enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues onto the next line, creates a sense of flow and continuity throughout the poem.
Service's use of literary devices is also noteworthy. The repetition of the word "resignation" throughout the poem emphasizes the speaker's acceptance of his situation. The use of imagery, particularly in the third stanza, creates a vivid picture of the natural world and its beauty. The use of alliteration, where words with the same initial sound are used together, adds to the poem's musicality and makes it more memorable.
In conclusion, "Resignation" is a beautiful poem that speaks to the human desire for peace and acceptance. Service's use of vivid imagery, consistent rhyme scheme, and literary devices make it a memorable and enjoyable read. The poem's message is timeless, reminding us that it is okay to let go of our worries and fears and find solace in the natural world around us. As the speaker says, "I'll take the peace of the wild things, / Their wisdom of meekness and love."
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