'Days' by Robert Service
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I am a Day . . .
My sky is grey,
My wind is wild,
My sea high-piled:
In year of days the first
In misery . . .
Oh pity me!
I am a Day
Accurst.
"Sweet Day, not curst but blest:
Behold upon my breast
My baby born
Your early morn.
Safe in my arms alway . . .
Oh precious Day,
let tempest be,
You are to me
In heart of mine
Divine."
* * * * * * *
I am a Day . . .
From dawn's pure ray
Like to a peerless gem
In summer's diadem,
My sky so softly dreams,
my breeze is bland:
My sea is blue and creams
Upon the sand,
Behold! Of days the Queen
I reign serene.
"Oh Day, not blest but curst!
Let savage storm-rack burst,
i will not care . . .
For Lo! I bear
My baby's coffin to the height.
Ah! Would it were the foulest night
To match my mood''s
Ingratitude.
I cannot not pray . . .
Go your fell way,
Accursed Day!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Days: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
By Robert Service
Introduction
Days, the classic poem written by Robert Service, is a piece of literature that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. The poem, which is essentially a reflection on life and the fleeting nature of time, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the themes, symbolism, and language used in the poem to gain a better understanding of what the author is trying to communicate.
Themes
One of the main themes of the poem is the inevitability of time. The poem begins with the line, "Days fleet past without a mark," which sets the tone for the rest of the piece. Throughout the poem, Service reminds us of the passage of time and how it affects us all. He writes, "Days drift by on silver sands, / And we who would grasp them, / Fall like leaves in windy lands, / Or sink in Time's dark chasm." These lines convey a sense of urgency and the need to appreciate the time we have before it is gone forever.
Another theme that runs through the poem is the impermanence of life. Service uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of life's fleeting nature. He writes, "In the morning of our days, / Earthward we are bending; / And the sun that meets our gaze, / Lights us to our ending." These lines remind us that we are all mortal and that our time on this earth is limited. It is up to us to make the most of the time we have and to leave a lasting legacy.
Symbolism
Service uses several symbols throughout the poem to reinforce the themes he is exploring. One of the most powerful symbols in the poem is the image of leaves falling from a tree. He writes, "Days drift by on silver sands, / And we who would grasp them, / Fall like leaves in windy lands." This image is a powerful reminder of the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. It also serves as a metaphor for the passing of time.
Another symbol used in the poem is the sun. Service writes, "And the sun that meets our gaze, / Lights us to our ending." The sun is often used in literature as a symbol of life and vitality. In this poem, however, the sun serves as a reminder of our mortality. It is a symbol of the fleeting nature of life and the need to make the most of the time we have.
Language
Service's use of language in the poem is nothing short of masterful. The poem is written in a rhythmic, almost musical style that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged. The use of alliteration and repetition adds to the musical quality of the poem. For example, when Service writes, "Days drift by on silver sands," the repetition of the "d" sound creates a sense of movement and fluidity.
Another technique Service uses is the juxtaposition of images. For example, when he writes, "In the morning of our days, / Earthward we are bending," he is juxtaposing the image of the beginning of life with the image of its end. This technique creates a sense of tension and emphasizes the themes of the poem.
Conclusion
Days is a timeless piece of literature that explores the themes of time, mortality, and the impermanence of life. The use of symbolism and language in the poem is masterful and adds to its emotional impact. Service's message is clear: time is fleeting, but it is up to us to make the most of the time we have. The poem serves as a powerful reminder to live life to the fullest and to leave a lasting legacy.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Days by Robert Service: A Celebration of Life
Robert Service’s poem Days is a beautiful and poignant celebration of life. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Service captures the fleeting nature of time and the importance of cherishing every moment. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
The poem begins with the line “Daughters of Time, the hypocritic Days,” which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The personification of time as a hypocrite is a powerful metaphor that suggests that time is both a friend and an enemy. On the one hand, time is a precious gift that we should cherish and make the most of. On the other hand, time is also a thief that steals away our youth and vitality.
Service goes on to describe the passing of time in vivid detail, using metaphors such as “the relentless tooth of way” and “the unreturning tide.” These metaphors suggest that time is an unstoppable force that cannot be controlled or tamed. They also convey a sense of loss and regret, as we cannot turn back the clock and relive the moments that have passed.
Despite the melancholic tone of the poem, there is also a sense of hope and optimism. Service reminds us that even though time may be fleeting, we can still make the most of the moments we have. He writes, “So be my passing! My task accomplished and done, / My wages taken, and in my heart / Some late lark singing.” This final stanza suggests that even though our time on earth may be brief, we can still find joy and fulfillment in our accomplishments and the memories we create.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of imagery. Service paints a vivid picture of the passing of time, using metaphors such as “the relentless tooth of way” and “the unreturning tide.” These metaphors convey a sense of inevitability and loss, as if time is a force that cannot be stopped or controlled. The image of the “unreturning tide” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that once a moment has passed, it can never be regained.
Another powerful image in the poem is that of the “late lark singing.” This image suggests that even though our time on earth may be brief, we can still find joy and beauty in the world around us. The lark’s song is a reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment.
The historical context in which the poem was written is also important to consider. Service was a Canadian poet who lived through both World War I and World War II. The sense of loss and regret that permeates the poem may be a reflection of the trauma and devastation that Service witnessed during these wars. However, the poem is not solely about war and loss. It is also a celebration of life and the moments that make it worth living.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s poem Days is a powerful celebration of life and a reminder to cherish every moment. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Service captures the fleeting nature of time and the importance of living in the present. Despite the melancholic tone of the poem, there is also a sense of hope and optimism. The final image of the “late lark singing” is a reminder that even though our time on earth may be brief, we can still find joy and beauty in the world around us.
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