'Farewell To Verse' by Robert Service


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In youth when oft my muse was dumb,
My fancy nighly dead,
To make my inspiration come
I stood upon my head;
And thus I let the blood down flow
Into my cerebellum,
And published every Spring or so
Slim tomes in vellum.

Alas! I am rheumatic now,
Grey is my crown;
I can no more with brooding brow
Stand upside-down.
I fear I might in such a pose
Burst brain blood-vessel;
And that would be a woeful close
To my rhyme wrestle.

If to write verse I must reverse
I fear I'm stymied;
In ink of prose I must immerse
A pen de-rhymèd.
No more to spank the lyric lyre
Like Keats or Browning,
May I inspire the Sacred Fire
My Upside-downing.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Farewell To Verse: An In-Depth Analysis

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like it was written just for you? That's how I felt when I first read Robert Service's "Farewell To Verse."

This classic poem was first published in 1910, and since then it has become one of Service's most well-known works. But what is it about this particular poem that has stood the test of time? In this analysis, I will examine the themes, symbols, and literary devices used in "Farewell To Verse" to try and answer that question.

The Themes of "Farewell To Verse"

At its core, "Farewell To Verse" is a poem about the struggle that many artists face: the struggle to create something new and meaningful while also staying true to themselves. This theme is most evident in the first stanza, where Service writes:

I have done with verse-making,
And with my soul have done,
For every phrase the Fates may take
Is fated to be dun.

Here, Service is saying that he has given up on writing poetry because he feels that every word he writes is predetermined by fate. He feels like he has no control over his own art, and this lack of control has left him feeling empty and unfulfilled.

This theme of artistic struggle is also present in the second stanza, where Service writes:

I have done with dreaming and with schemes,
And with my heart have done,
For every hope the Fates beseems
Is fated to be gone.

In this stanza, Service is saying that he has given up on his dreams and ambitions because he feels like they are also predetermined by fate. He feels like no matter what he does, he cannot change the course of his own life.

But despite this sense of hopelessness, there is also a glimmer of hope in "Farewell To Verse." This hope is most evident in the final stanza, where Service writes:

And if there be a God on high,
Who guides our destinies,
Tis plain that He intends that I
Should lead a life of ease.

Here, Service is saying that if there is a higher power that determines our fate, then that power must want him to live a life of ease. In other words, he is saying that he should stop struggling and just accept his fate. This acceptance is the key to finding peace and happiness, even in the face of adversity.

The Symbols of "Farewell To Verse"

In addition to its themes, "Farewell To Verse" is also rich in symbolism. One of the most prominent symbols in the poem is the idea of fate. Service uses this symbol to represent the idea that our lives are predetermined, and that we have little control over our own destinies.

Another important symbol in the poem is the idea of ease. Service uses this symbol to represent the idea of acceptance and contentment. By embracing a life of ease, Service is saying that we can find happiness even in the face of adversity.

Finally, there is the symbol of verse-making itself. Service uses this symbol to represent the struggle of the artist. By giving up on verse-making, Service is saying that he has given up on the struggle to create something new and meaningful. But at the same time, he is also saying that he has found a new sense of peace and contentment.

The Literary Devices of "Farewell To Verse"

Service's use of literary devices is also worth examining. One of the most striking literary devices in "Farewell To Verse" is the use of rhyme. Throughout the poem, Service uses a simple and straightforward rhyme scheme to create a sense of rhythm and flow. This rhyme scheme helps to reinforce the poem's sense of inevitability, as if the words are predetermined by fate.

Another literary device used in the poem is metaphor. Service uses metaphor to compare the struggle of the artist to the struggle of the sailor navigating treacherous waters. In the second stanza, for example, he writes:

And all our hopes like bubbles blown
Are fated to expire.

Here, Service is comparing our hopes to fragile bubbles that are destined to burst. This metaphor helps to reinforce the idea that our lives are predetermined, and that we have little control over our own destinies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Farewell To Verse" is an enduring classic that continues to resonate with readers today. By exploring themes of artistic struggle, acceptance, and contentment, Service has created a poem that speaks to the human condition in a profound and meaningful way. Through his use of symbolism and literary devices, Service has also created a work of art that is both beautiful and thought-provoking. Whether you are an artist struggling to find your voice, or simply a human being trying to make sense of the world, "Farewell To Verse" is a poem that speaks directly to the heart.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Farewell to Verse: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. One of his most celebrated poems, "Farewell to Verse," is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The poem is a reflection of Service's life and his love for poetry. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by Service to create a lasting impact on readers.

The poem "Farewell to Verse" is a farewell to poetry, written by Service himself. It is a reflection of his life and his love for poetry. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different tone and message. The first stanza is a farewell to the world of poetry, where Service expresses his desire to leave behind the world of rhyme and meter. He says, "Farewell to verse, and to rhyme, / I'm turning my back on the olden time." This line indicates that Service is ready to move on from the traditional style of poetry and explore new avenues.

The second stanza is a reflection of Service's life, where he talks about his journey as a poet. He says, "I've sung my songs, I've had my fling, / I've drunk my fill of everything." This line indicates that Service has lived his life to the fullest, and now it's time to move on to new adventures.

The third stanza is a tribute to the power of poetry. Service acknowledges that poetry has the power to move people and evoke emotions. He says, "But oh, the joy that verse can bring, / The thrill that makes the heartstrings sing." This line indicates that Service recognizes the power of poetry and its ability to touch people's hearts.

The fourth and final stanza is a farewell to the world of poetry. Service says, "Farewell to verse, and to rhyme, / I'm leaving the world of the olden time." This line indicates that Service is ready to move on from the world of poetry and explore new avenues.

The structure of the poem is simple yet effective. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with a different tone and message. The first and fourth stanzas are similar, with Service bidding farewell to the world of poetry. The second stanza is a reflection of Service's life, and the third stanza is a tribute to the power of poetry. The simple structure of the poem allows the reader to focus on the message and the literary devices used by Service.

Service uses several literary devices in the poem to create a lasting impact on readers. The most prominent literary device used in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the line "Farewell to verse, and to rhyme" in the first and fourth stanzas emphasizes Service's desire to move on from the world of poetry. The repetition of the line "I've sung my songs, I've had my fling" in the second stanza emphasizes Service's reflection on his life as a poet.

Another literary device used by Service is alliteration. The line "The thrill that makes the heartstrings sing" in the third stanza is an example of alliteration. The repetition of the "th" sound emphasizes the power of poetry to evoke emotions.

Service also uses imagery in the poem to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. The line "I'm turning my back on the olden time" in the first stanza creates an image of Service walking away from the traditional world of poetry. The line "The thrill that makes the heartstrings sing" in the third stanza creates an image of the power of poetry to move people.

In conclusion, "Farewell to Verse" is a masterpiece of Robert Service that reflects his life and his love for poetry. The poem's structure, literary devices, and imagery create a lasting impact on readers. Service's use of repetition, alliteration, and imagery emphasizes the power of poetry to evoke emotions and touch people's hearts. The poem is a tribute to the world of poetry and a farewell to the traditional style of poetry. It is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and appreciates the power of words.

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