'The Wood-Cutter' by Robert Service
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The sky is like an envelope,
One of those blue official things;
And, sealing it, to mock our hope,
The moon, a silver wafer, clings.
What shall we find when death gives leave
To read--our sentence or reprieve?
I'm holding it down on God's scrap-pile, up on the fag-end of earth;
O'er me a menace of mountains, a river that grits at my feet;
Face to face with my soul-self, weighing my life at its worth;
Wondering what I was made for, here in my last retreat.
Last! Ah, yes, it's the finish. Have ever you heard a man cry?
(Sobs that rake him and rend him, right from the base of the chest.)
That's how I've cried, oh, so often; and now that my tears are dry,
I sit in the desolate quiet and wait for the infinite Rest.
Rest! Well, it's restful around me; it's quiet clean to the core.
The mountains pose in their ermine, in golden the hills are clad;
The big, blue, silt-freighted Yukon seethes by my cabin door,
And I think it's only the river that keeps me from going mad.
By day it's a ruthless monster, a callous, insatiate thing,
With oily bubble and eddy, with sudden swirling of breast;
By night it's a writhing Titan, sullenly murmuring,
Ever and ever goaded, and ever crying for rest.
It cries for its human tribute, but me it will never drown.
I've learned the lore of my river; my river obeys me well.
I hew and I launch my cordwood, and raft it to Dawson town,
Where wood means wine and women, and, incidentally, hell.
Hell and the anguish thereafter. Here as I sit alone
I'd give the life I have left me to lighten some load of care:
(The bitterest part of the bitter is being denied to atone;
Lips that have mocked at Heaven lend themselves ill to prayer.)
Impotent as a beetle pierced on the needle of Fate;
A wretch in a cosmic death-cell, peaks for my prison bars;
'Whelmed by a world stupendous, lonely and listless I wait,
Drowned in a sea of silence, strewn with confetti of stars.
See! from far up the valley a rapier pierces the night,
The white search-ray of a steamer. Swiftly, serenely it nears;
A proud, white, alien presence, a glittering galley of light,
Confident-poised, triumphant, freighted with hopes and fears.
I look as one looks on a vision; I see it pulsating by;
I glimpse joy-radiant faces; I hear the thresh of the wheel.
Hoof-like my heart beats a moment; then silence swoops from the sky.
Darkness is piled upon darkness. God only knows how I feel.
Maybe you've seen me sometimes; maybe you've pitied me then--
The lonely waif of the wood-camp, here by my cabin door.
Some day you'll look and see not; futile and outcast of men,
I shall be far from your pity, resting forevermore.
My life was a problem in ciphers, a weary and profitless sum.
Slipshod and stupid I worked it, dazed by negation and doubt.
Ciphers the total confronts me. Oh, Death, with thy moistened thumb,
Stoop like a petulant schoolboy, wipe me forever out!
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wood-Cutter: A Masterpiece of Poetry
Oh, The Wood-Cutter! What a masterpiece of poetry by Robert Service! This poem is not just about a man who cuts wood. It is a story of life, death, and the struggles in between. It is a reflection of the human condition, of how we are all like the wood-cutter, cutting away at the tree of life.
The Narrative
At first glance, The Wood-Cutter may seem like a simple narrative. A man goes into the woods, cuts down a tree, and brings it home to his family. But as we dive deeper into the poem, we see that it is much more than that. The wood-cutter is a metaphor for all of us, struggling to survive in a harsh world.
Service portrays the wood-cutter as a rugged, hard-working man who is not afraid to take on the challenges of life. He is a man who knows the value of hard work and is willing to do whatever it takes to provide for his family. He is a hero in his own right, and we are drawn to him because of his strength and resilience.
The Struggle
But as we continue to read, we see that the wood-cutter's life is not easy. He must battle the elements of nature, the harsh winter weather, and the unforgiving terrain of the woods. He is constantly struggling against the forces that threaten to take him down.
Despite all of this, the wood-cutter persists. He is a survivor, and he is determined to make it through another day. He is a reminder to all of us that we too can overcome the challenges that life throws our way.
The Message
So what is the message of The Wood-Cutter? It is a message of hope, of perseverance, and of the triumph of the human spirit. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult our lives may be, we can always find a way to make it through.
Service's words remind us that even in the darkest of times, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We may struggle and suffer, but we can always find a way to rise above our circumstances and make a better life for ourselves.
The Poetic Structure
The Wood-Cutter is not just a powerful narrative, it is also a stunning piece of poetry. Service's use of language is masterful, and his use of rhyme and rhythm adds to the overall impact of the poem.
The poem is written in four-line stanzas, with a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and symmetry, which contrasts with the chaotic and unpredictable nature of the woods that the wood-cutter must navigate.
Service also uses repetition to great effect in the poem. He repeats certain phrases and words throughout the poem, which creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that drives the narrative forward.
The Imagery
Finally, we cannot discuss The Wood-Cutter without mentioning the imagery that Service uses throughout the poem. From the "soughing of the pines" to the "crackle of the sap," Service brings the woods to life in vivid detail.
We can almost feel the cold winter air on our faces, hear the sound of the axe as it cleaves through the wood, and smell the scent of freshly cut pine. Service's use of imagery is so powerful that we feel as though we are right there in the woods with the wood-cutter.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, The Wood-Cutter is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of the human spirit. It is a reminder that no matter how difficult our lives may be, we can always find a way to make it through.
With its powerful narrative, stunning poetic structure, and vivid imagery, The Wood-Cutter is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry. So grab a cup of tea and a cozy blanket, and lose yourself in the world of the wood-cutter. You won't regret it.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wood-Cutter: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
The Wood-Cutter is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a renowned poet who is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. This poem is a beautiful depiction of the struggles and triumphs of a wood-cutter, who despite facing numerous challenges, manages to find joy and contentment in his work.
The poem begins with the wood-cutter waking up early in the morning, ready to start his day. He is described as a man who is strong and hardworking, with calloused hands and a rugged appearance. Despite his tough exterior, the wood-cutter is a man with a kind heart, who takes pleasure in his work and the simple pleasures of life.
As the wood-cutter sets out to work, he is faced with the challenges of the forest. The trees are tall and thick, and the ground is covered with fallen leaves and branches. However, the wood-cutter is undeterred, and he sets to work with his axe, chopping down the trees with ease. He is a man who is skilled in his trade, and he takes pride in his ability to work with his hands.
As the day progresses, the wood-cutter continues to work tirelessly, taking breaks only to rest and eat. He is a man who is content with his life, and he finds joy in the simple things. He takes pleasure in the beauty of the forest, the sound of the birds, and the warmth of the sun. He is a man who is at peace with himself and the world around him.
However, as the day draws to a close, the wood-cutter is faced with a new challenge. The sun begins to set, and the forest becomes dark and foreboding. The wood-cutter is alone in the forest, and he is faced with the fear of the unknown. He is a man who is used to working in the light of day, and the darkness of the forest is a new and frightening experience for him.
Despite his fear, the wood-cutter does not give up. He continues to work, using the light of the moon to guide him. He is a man who is determined to finish his work, no matter what obstacles he may face. As he works, he reflects on his life and the choices he has made. He is a man who is grateful for the life he has, and he knows that his hard work will pay off in the end.
Finally, as the night draws to a close, the wood-cutter finishes his work. He has chopped down all the trees he needs, and he is ready to return home. As he walks through the forest, he is filled with a sense of accomplishment and pride. He knows that he has done a good day's work, and he is content with his life.
In conclusion, The Wood-Cutter is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of human experience. It is a poem about hard work, determination, and the simple pleasures of life. Robert Service has done an excellent job of portraying the struggles and triumphs of a wood-cutter, and his words are a testament to the resilience and strength of the human spirit. This poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of poetry and the power of human emotion.
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