'Her Letter' by Robert Service
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"I'm taking pen in hand this night, and hard it is for me;
My poor old fingers tremble so, my hand is stiff and slow,
And even with my glasses on I'm troubled sore to see. . . .
You'd little know your mother, boy; you'd little, little know.
You mind how brisk and bright I was, how straight and trim and smart;
'Tis weariful I am the now, and bent and frail and grey.
I'm waiting at the road's end, lad; and all that's in my heart,
Is just to see my boy again before I'm called away."
"Oh well I mind the sorry day you crossed the gurly sea;
'Twas like the heart was torn from me, a waeful wife was I.
You said that you'd be home again in two years, maybe three;
But nigh a score of years have gone, and still the years go by.
I know it's cruel hard for you, you've bairnies of your own;
I know the siller's hard to win, and folks have used you ill:
But oh, think of your mother, lad, that's waiting by her lone!
And even if you canna come -- just write and say you will."
"Aye, even though there's little hope, just promise that you'll try.
It's weary, weary waiting, lad; just say you'll come next year.
I'm thinking there will be no `next'; I'm thinking soon I'll lie
With all the ones I've laid away . . . but oh, the hope will cheer!
You know you're all that's left to me, and we are seas apart;
But if you'll only say you'll come, then will I hope and pray.
I'm waiting by the grave-side, lad; and all that's in my heart
Is just to see my boy again before I'm called away."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Her Letter: A Literary Critique
Robert Service's Her Letter is a classic poem that has stood the test of time due to its timeless themes and the beauty of its language. The poem tells the story of a man who receives a letter from his former love, and the emotions that he experiences upon reading it. In this literary critique, we will analyze the poem's themes, language, structure, and symbolism to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning.
Themes
The central themes of Her Letter are love, loss, and regret. The poem explores the emotions of a man who has lost the woman he loved and longs to be with her again. The letter that he receives rekindles his feelings and brings back memories of their past together. The man is torn between his desire to be with the woman again and the knowledge that it is too late. The poem's themes are universal, and anyone who has experienced the pain of lost love can relate to them.
Language
Service's use of language in Her Letter is one of the poem's greatest strengths. The language is simple, yet powerful, and evokes strong emotions in the reader. The poem's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the piece, using vivid imagery to paint a picture of the man's emotions:
"Every day I receive a letter From my love who is far away, And I know when I see the envelope, That there's naught but sorrow to pay."
The use of "naught but sorrow" is particularly poignant, conveying the man's sense of despair at the knowledge that he can never be with his love again. The poem's language is full of imagery and metaphor, such as the description of the woman's handwriting as "like a breath from the fields of May." This language serves to enhance the poem's emotional impact and create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.
Structure
Her Letter is a relatively short poem, consisting of three stanzas of four lines each. The poem's structure is simple, but effective in conveying the man's emotions. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the central theme of the poem. The second stanza describes the man's emotions upon receiving the letter, while the third stanza brings the poem to a close with the man's realization that he can never be with his love again. The use of a simple, three-stanza structure enhances the poem's emotional impact by focusing the reader's attention on the man's feelings.
Symbolism
The use of symbolism in Her Letter is subtle but effective. The woman's handwriting is described as "like a breath from the fields of May," which serves as a symbol of the love that the man once shared with her. The image of the letter itself is also symbolic, representing the man's hope that he can somehow rekindle his relationship with the woman. However, the man's realization that it is too late serves as a symbol of the finality of lost love.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's Her Letter is a powerful poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and regret. The poem's language is simple yet evocative, and the use of symbolism serves to enhance its emotional impact. The poem's structure is also effective in conveying the man's emotions. Overall, Her Letter is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Her Letter: A Poem of Love and Longing
Robert Service’s “Her Letter” is a classic poem that captures the essence of love and longing. The poem is a beautiful expression of the emotions that one feels when separated from a loved one. It is a poignant reminder of the power of love and the pain of separation.
The poem is written in the form of a letter from a woman to her lover. The woman is writing from a distant land, and she is filled with longing for her lover. She expresses her feelings in a beautiful and poetic way, using imagery and metaphors to convey her emotions.
The poem begins with the woman describing the landscape around her. She talks about the “purple peaks” and the “golden sand” that surround her. She then goes on to describe the “azure sky” and the “crimson sun” that are a part of her world. The imagery in this stanza is vivid and beautiful, and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The woman then goes on to describe her feelings of longing for her lover. She talks about how she thinks of him all the time, and how she longs to be with him. She says that she feels like a “bird in a cage” and that she is “pining for the skies”. This metaphor is a powerful one, as it conveys the sense of confinement and longing that the woman feels.
The woman then talks about the memories that she has of her lover. She talks about how she remembers the “tender touch” of his hand and the “gentle kiss” of his lips. She says that these memories are like “roses in December” – beautiful and precious, but also tinged with sadness.
The woman then goes on to express her hope that her lover feels the same way about her. She says that she hopes that he thinks of her as often as she thinks of him, and that he longs for her as much as she longs for him. She says that she hopes that he will come to her soon, so that they can be together again.
The poem ends with the woman expressing her love for her lover. She says that she loves him more than anything in the world, and that she will always be true to him. She says that she will wait for him, no matter how long it takes, and that she will always be his.
Overall, “Her Letter” is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of love and longing. The imagery and metaphors that Service uses are vivid and evocative, and they help to convey the emotions that the woman is feeling. The poem is a reminder of the power of love, and of the pain that can come with separation. It is a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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