'Belated Bard' by Robert Service
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The songs I made from joy of earth
In wanton wandering,
Are rapturous with Maytime mirth
And ectasy of Spring.
But all the songs I sing today
Take tediously the ear:
Novemberishly dark are they
With mortuary fear.
For half a century has gone
Since first I rang a rhyme;
And that is long to linger on
The tolerance of Time.
This blue-veined hand with which I write
Yet answers to my will;
Though four-score years I count to-night
I am unsilent still.
"Senile old fool!" I hear you say;
"Beside the dying fire
You huddle and stiff-fingered play
Your tired and tinny lyre."
Well, though your patience I may try,
Bear with me yet awhile,
And though you scorn my singing I
Will thank you with a smile.
For I such soul-delighting joy
Have found in simple rhyme,
Since first a happy-hearted boy
I coaxed a word to chime,
That ere I tryst with Mother Earth
Let from my heart arise
A song of youth and starry mirth . . .
Then close my eyes.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Belated Bard: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Introduction
Belated Bard is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a renowned poet from Scotland. The poem was first published in 1910 as part of a collection called 'Ballads of a Cheechako.' The poem tells the story of a young man who dreams of becoming a poet but fails to achieve his goal until it is too late.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes of the poem, the literary devices used, and the overall impact of the poem. We will also look at the historical context in which the poem was written and the relevance of the poem in our modern times.
Themes
Belated Bard explores several themes, including the pursuit of dreams, the passage of time, and the inevitability of death. The poem portrays the protagonist as a young man who dreams of becoming a poet but fails to achieve his goal. He spends his life working as a laborer, and it is only on his deathbed that he realizes the futility of his life.
The poem also highlights the passage of time and how it can affect one's ability to achieve their dreams. The protagonist's dreams of becoming a poet are dashed as he grows older and is unable to find the time and resources to pursue his passion.
The theme of death is also prominent in the poem. The protagonist realizes too late that he has wasted his life and will never be able to achieve his dreams. He laments the fact that he will be remembered as a laborer and not as a poet.
Literary Devices
Robert Service makes use of several literary devices in Belated Bard to enhance the impact of the poem. The most prominent device used is imagery. The poem is full of vivid and descriptive imagery that paints a picture of the protagonist's life. For example, in the first stanza, the poet describes the protagonist's humble beginnings:
He sang upon the stage and wooed,
He mused on lofty themes,
And with his velvet collar viewed
The tumult of his dreams.
The use of words like 'velvet collar' and 'lofty themes' creates a stark contrast with the reality of the protagonist's life as a laborer.
Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The repetition of the phrase 'Belated Bard' throughout the poem creates a sense of urgency and underscores the protagonist's regret at not pursuing his dreams earlier.
The use of rhyme and rhythm also adds to the impact of the poem. The poem has a strong and consistent rhythm that creates a sense of inevitability and finality. The rhyme scheme is also consistent, which makes the poem easy to read and remember.
Historical Context
Belated Bard was written in the early 20th century, a time when the world was changing rapidly. The Industrial Revolution had transformed the way people worked, and many people were leaving rural areas to find work in cities. This change had a significant impact on the arts, as new forms of literature and music were emerging.
The poem reflects the changing times, as it portrays the protagonist as a laborer rather than a member of the middle or upper class. This was a departure from the traditional themes of poetry, which often focused on the lives of the wealthy and powerful.
The poem also reflects the prevailing attitudes of the time towards death and the afterlife. The protagonist's lamentations about his wasted life and his fear of being forgotten after death were common themes in literature and art of the time.
Relevance Today
Despite being written over a century ago, Belated Bard remains relevant today. The theme of pursuing one's dreams is universal and timeless, and the poem speaks to anyone who has ever felt like they missed their chance to achieve their goals.
The poem also raises important questions about the value of a person's life and legacy. The protagonist's realization that he will be remembered as a laborer rather than a poet highlights the importance of pursuing one's passions and leaving a meaningful impact on the world.
In today's fast-paced world, where people are often too busy to pursue their passions, the message of the poem is more important than ever. It reminds us that life is short and that we should make the most of the time we have.
Conclusion
Belated Bard is a classic poem that explores themes of pursuing one's dreams, the passage of time, and the inevitability of death. Robert Service's use of vivid imagery, repetition, rhyme, and rhythm creates a powerful and impactful poem that remains relevant today.
The poem serves as a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of our time. It also highlights the importance of pursuing our passions and leaving a meaningful impact on the world. Belated Bard is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Belated Bard: A Masterpiece of Robert Service
Robert Service, a renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. One of his most celebrated poems, Belated Bard, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a unique and captivating way. The poem is a reflection of the poet's own life, and it is a testament to his talent and skill as a writer.
Belated Bard is a poem that tells the story of a bard who has lived a long and fulfilling life. The bard has traveled the world, seen many things, and experienced many emotions. He has written countless poems and songs, and his work has been celebrated by many. However, as the bard grows old, he realizes that he has not written the one poem that truly captures the essence of his life. He feels that he has missed his chance, and he is filled with regret.
The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, but it is filled with powerful imagery and emotion. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for the rest of the work:
"I've waited weary weeks, and I've waited weary years, To hear what I've been waiting for, I've waited till my tears Have stained the woeful parchment of my unheeded screed, And my heart is sick and sullen with the bitterness of need."
These lines convey the sense of longing and desperation that the bard feels. He has been waiting for so long to write the one poem that will define his life, but he has not been able to find the words. The use of the word "weary" emphasizes the bard's exhaustion and frustration, and the reference to tears and a "woeful parchment" suggests that he has been struggling with this for a long time.
As the poem continues, the bard reflects on his life and the experiences that have shaped him. He remembers the people he has met, the places he has been, and the emotions he has felt. He realizes that he has lived a full and rich life, but he has not been able to capture it in his poetry. The following lines are particularly poignant:
"I've seen the sun a-blazing and the moon a-silver sheen, I've seen the stars a-twinkling and the northern lights a-green, I've seen the mountains towering and the valleys wide and free, But I've never seen the vision that was waiting there for me."
These lines are filled with vivid imagery, and they convey the sense of wonder and awe that the bard has experienced in his life. However, the final line reveals the bard's sense of regret and disappointment. He has seen so much beauty in the world, but he has not been able to capture it in his poetry.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful and emotional conclusion to the bard's story. He realizes that he has missed his chance to write the one poem that truly captures his life, and he is filled with regret. However, he also realizes that his life has been meaningful and fulfilling, and that he has left a legacy that will live on after he is gone. The final lines of the poem are a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring nature of art:
"So I'll go down to silence, and I'll leave my songs behind, And I'll hope that some one sometime in the dim and distant mind Will hear a voice that echoes, and will turn a wistful ear, And know that I have spoken to the ages that are near."
These lines are a fitting conclusion to the bard's story. They suggest that even though the bard has not been able to write the one poem that truly captures his life, his work will live on and inspire others. The use of the word "echoes" emphasizes the enduring nature of art, and the reference to "ages that are near" suggests that the bard's work will continue to be relevant and meaningful for generations to come.
In conclusion, Belated Bard is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death in a unique and captivating way. Robert Service's skillful use of imagery and emotion creates a powerful and moving work that will resonate with readers for generations to come. The poem is a testament to the enduring nature of art and the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
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