'The Red Retreat' by Robert Service
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Tramp, tramp, the grim road, the road from Mons to Wipers
(I've 'ammered out this ditty with me bruised and bleedin' feet);
Tramp, tramp, the dim road -- we didn't 'ave no pipers,
And bellies that was 'oller was the drums we 'ad to beat.
Tramp, tramp, the bad road, the bits o' kiddies cryin' there,
The fell birds a-flyin' there, the 'ouses all aflame;
Tramp, tramp, the sad road, the pals I left a-lyin' there,
Red there, and dead there. . . . Oh blimy, it's a shame!
A-singin' "'Oo's Yer Lady Friend?" we started out from 'Arver,
A-singin' till our froats was dry -- we didn't care a 'ang;
The Frenchies 'ow they lined the way, and slung us their palaver,
And all we knowed to arnser was the one word "vang";
They gave us booze and caporal, and cheered for us like crazy,
And all the pretty gels was out to kiss us as we passed;
And 'ow they all went dotty when we 'owled the Marcelaisey!
Oh, Gawd! Them was the 'appy days, the days too good to last.
We started out for God Knows Where, we started out a-roarin';
We 'ollered: "'Ere We Are Again", and 'struth! but we was dry.
The dust was gummin' up our ears, and 'ow the sweat was pourin';
The road was long, the sun was like a brazier in the sky.
We wondered where the 'Uns was -- we wasn't long a-wonderin',
For down a scruff of 'ill-side they rushes like a flood;
Then oh! 'twas music 'eavenly, our batteries a-thunderin',
And arms and legs went soarin' in the fountain of their blood.
For on they came like bee-swarms, a-hochin' and a-singin';
We pumped the bullets into 'em, we couldn't miss a shot.
But though we mowed 'em down like grass, like grass was they a-springin',
And all our 'ands was blistered, for our rifles was so 'ot.
We roared with battle-fury, and we lammed the stuffin' out of 'em,
And then we fixed our bay'nets and we spitted 'em like meat.
You should 'ave 'eard the beggars squeal; you should 'ave seen the rout of 'em,
And 'ow we cussed and wondered when the word came: Retreat!
Retreat! That was the 'ell of it. It fair upset our 'abits,
A-runnin' from them blighters over 'alf the roads of France;
A-scurryin' before 'em like a lot of blurry rabbits,
And knowin' we could smash 'em if we just 'ad 'alf a chance.
Retreat! That was the bitter bit, a-limpin' and a-blunderin';
All day and night a-hoofin' it and sleepin' on our feet;
A-fightin' rear guard actions for a bit o' rest, and wonderin'
If sugar beets or mangels was the 'olesomest to eat.
Ho yus, there isn't many left that started out so cheerily;
There was no bands a-playin' and we 'ad no autmobeels.
Our tummies they was 'oller, and our 'eads was 'angin' wearily,
And if we stopped to light a fag the 'Uns was on our 'eels.
That rotten road! I can't forget the kids and mothers flyin' there,
The bits of barns a-blazin' and the 'orrid sights I sor;
The stiffs that lined the wayside, me own pals a-lyin' there,
Their faces covered over wiv a little 'eap of stror.
Tramp, tramp, the red road, the wicked bullets 'ummin'
(I've panted out this ditty with me 'ot 'ard breath.)
Tramp, tramp, the dread road, the Boches all a-comin',
The lootin' and the shootin' and the shrieks o' death.
Tramp, tramp, the fell road, the mad 'orde pursuin' there,
And 'ow we 'urled it back again, them grim, grey waves;
Tramp, tramp, the 'ell road, the 'orror and the ruin there,
The graves of me mateys there, the grim, sour graves.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Red Retreat: A Masterpiece by Robert Service
Have you ever felt the thrill of adventure and the fear of uncertainty while reading a poem? The Red Retreat by Robert Service is an exceptional piece of poetry that takes you on a journey through the icy terrain of Siberia during the Russian Revolution. It is a poem that is not only an ode to the courage of men in war but also a tribute to the human spirit that refuses to be broken by oppression.
Brief Overview
The Red Retreat is an epic poem that tells the story of a group of Bolshevik soldiers who are forced to flee from the advancing enemy army. The poem begins with the soldiers receiving orders to retreat and escape the clutches of death. It then follows them on their perilous journey through the biting cold and unrelenting snow.
The poem is divided into nine stanzas, each with a distinct rhythm and rhyme scheme. Robert Service uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to create a sense of urgency and danger. He takes us through the soldiers' journey, from their initial reluctance to retreat to their final moments of desperation.
The Power of Metaphors
One of the most striking features of The Red Retreat is the use of metaphors. Robert Service employs metaphors to convey the soldiers' emotions and experiences. For instance, in the first stanza, he describes the soldiers as "a herd of reindeer running wild." This metaphor conveys the idea of a panicked and disorganized group of men, unsure of where to go.
The use of metaphors extends to the natural elements as well. The biting cold and unrelenting snow are described as "the wolfish hunger of the night" and "a white death trap." These metaphors create a sense of danger and uncertainty, making the reader feel the soldiers' fear and desperation.
The Rhythm of War
The Red Retreat is a poem that is meant to be read aloud. Robert Service's use of rhythm and rhyme scheme creates a sense of urgency and drama. The poem is written in a regular meter, with lines that have a mix of iambs and anapaests. This rhythm creates a sense of momentum, as if the soldiers are constantly on the move.
The poem also has a distinct rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming with each other. The use of rhyme creates a sense of completeness and closure, as if each stanza is a self-contained story within the larger narrative.
The Heroism of the Soldiers
The Red Retreat is a poem that celebrates the courage and heroism of the soldiers. Despite the danger and uncertainty, the soldiers remain committed to their cause. They are willing to risk their lives to defend their beliefs and their fellow soldiers.
This heroism is conveyed through a number of metaphors and images. The soldiers are described as "a band of brothers" and "a gallant crew." These metaphors create a sense of camaraderie and brotherhood, as if the soldiers are part of a larger family.
The Triumph of the Human Spirit
The Red Retreat is not just a poem about war and heroism. It is also a poem about the triumph of the human spirit. Robert Service shows us that even in the face of adversity, the soldiers are able to find courage and hope. They are able to rise above their circumstances and find a way to survive.
The final stanza of the poem is particularly powerful. Robert Service describes the soldiers as "a column of fire on the plain." This metaphor conveys the idea of a triumphant and unstoppable force. The soldiers are no longer running from the enemy, but are instead marching towards their destiny.
Conclusion
The Red Retreat is a masterpiece of poetry. It is a poem that takes the reader on a journey through the icy terrain of Siberia, conveying the fear, uncertainty, and heroism of the soldiers. Robert Service's use of metaphors, rhythm, and rhyme creates a sense of urgency and drama, making the poem a thrilling and engaging read. Above all, The Red Retreat is a tribute to the human spirit, showing us that even in the darkest of times, we are capable of rising above our circumstances and finding hope.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Red Retreat: A Poem of Heroism and Sacrifice
Robert Service's poem, The Red Retreat, is a stirring tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers in battle. Written in the aftermath of World War I, the poem captures the horror and chaos of war, while also celebrating the courage and resilience of those who fought and died for their country.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the battlefield, as the soldiers advance towards the enemy lines:
"Red banners wave on the horizon, The crimson outlines writhe and sway; A thousand steel-clad horsemen Are thundering into the fray."
The imagery here is powerful and evocative, as the "red banners" and "crimson outlines" suggest the bloodshed and violence of the battle. The "steel-clad horsemen" add to the sense of danger and menace, as the soldiers face a formidable foe.
As the battle rages on, the soldiers begin to falter and retreat. But even in the face of defeat, they refuse to give up:
"The ranks are thinning, the horses falling, The guns are smashed, the sabres hacked; But still they fight with fury unquenchable, With courage that nothing can daunt or slack."
Here, Service captures the spirit of heroism and sacrifice that defines the soldiers' actions. Despite the odds against them, they continue to fight with "fury unquenchable" and "courage that nothing can daunt or slack." This is a testament to the soldiers' bravery and determination, even in the face of overwhelming adversity.
As the soldiers retreat, they are pursued by the enemy, who seek to crush them completely. But even in their retreat, the soldiers continue to fight back:
"They're falling back, they're falling back, But still they fire and still they hack; With bayonet thrust and rifle butt They beat the foe from their bloody track."
This passage is particularly powerful, as it shows the soldiers' willingness to fight to the bitter end. Even as they retreat, they continue to "fire and hack" at the enemy, using whatever weapons they have at their disposal. This is a testament to their courage and determination, as they refuse to give up even in the face of overwhelming odds.
As the battle comes to an end, the soldiers are left to count the cost of their sacrifice. Many have died, and many more are wounded or missing. But even in their grief, the soldiers remain proud of their actions:
"They're battered and broken, they're bleeding and sore, But they've fought like the heroes of olden days; And though they're defeated, they're not disgraced, For they've won the world's unstinted praise."
This final passage is a fitting tribute to the soldiers' sacrifice and heroism. Despite their defeat, they are not disgraced, but rather celebrated for their bravery and courage. They have "fought like the heroes of olden days," and in doing so, have won the world's "unstinted praise." This is a powerful reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make in the name of their country, and the debt of gratitude that we owe them.
In conclusion, The Red Retreat is a powerful and moving tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers in battle. Through vivid imagery and stirring language, Robert Service captures the horror and chaos of war, while also celebrating the courage and resilience of those who fought and died for their country. This poem is a testament to the human spirit, and a reminder of the sacrifices that soldiers make in the name of freedom and justice.
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