'Indifference' by Robert Service
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When I am dead I will not care
Forever more,
If sky be radiantly fair
Or tempest roar.
If my life-hoard in sin be spent,
My wife re-wed,--
I'll be so damned indifferent
When I am dead.
When I meet up with dusty doom
What if I rest
In common ditch or marble tomb,
If curst or blest?
Shall my seed be to wealth or fame,
Or gallows led,--
To me it will be all the same
When I am dead.
So say for me no pious prayer,
Be no tear shed;
In nothingness I cannot care,
I'll be so dead.
I shall not reck of war or peace
When I go hence:
Lord, let me win sublime release,--
INDIFFERENCE!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Indifference by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Ambiguity
Poetry is often seen as a tool for expressing strong emotions, whether it be love, pain, joy, or anger. But what happens when a poet deliberately chooses not to reveal any emotion at all? This is exactly what Robert Service does in his hauntingly ambiguous poem, "Indifference." At first glance, the poem seems to be a simple description of a scene, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that there is much more going on beneath the surface.
The Setting
The poem opens with a vivid description of a peaceful winter landscape:
I said,-for Love was laggard, O, Love was slow to come,-
"I'll hear his step and know his step when I am warm in bed."
But I'll meet the snow with snow, and see him come to me
Up the walk, up the walk, a ghostly figure in the street.
The narrator is waiting for someone, presumably a lover, but there is no sense of urgency or longing. Instead, the tone is almost matter-of-fact, as if the narrator is simply observing the scene.
The setting itself is also significant. The snow-covered landscape creates a sense of isolation and emptiness, which is echoed in the narrator's detached attitude.
The Ambiguity
As the poem continues, the ambiguity only grows. The next stanza seems to suggest that the narrator has been waiting for a long time:
"I said,-His heart will flutter,-for the key is in the lock,
I'll hear his tread and know his tread when I am warm in bed,
But he will lightly touch the latch and softly walk away,
Surely I said, now Love will stay and Love will be with me."
But again, there is no sense of emotion in the narration. The narrator seems almost resigned to the fact that Love may never come.
The final stanza is where the poem becomes truly enigmatic:
"I'll meet the snow with hate, and out into the street
With magic in my frantic hand lo! Love I shall entreat;
I'll make a snowball of my hate and on his breast be laid,
And in a lovers' fond embrace our bitterness shall fade."
At first glance, it seems as though the narrator has given up on Love entirely and has turned to hate instead. But then there is the sudden shift in tone when the narrator speaks of "magic" and "lovers' fond embrace." Is this a moment of genuine hope and longing, or is it simply a cynical twist on the idea of Love?
Interpretation
So what does it all mean? There are many possible interpretations of "Indifference," but one common theme is the idea of emotional numbness. The narrator may be so jaded by past disappointments in Love that they have become indifferent to the idea altogether. This would explain the detached tone and the lack of urgency in the narration.
The snow could also be seen as a symbol of this emotional numbness. It covers everything in a cold, sterile blanket, just as the narrator's emotions are covered up and hidden away.
But then there is the potential for the narrator to break out of this emotional numbness, as seen in the final stanza. The mention of "magic" and "lovers' fond embrace" suggests that there is still some hope for Love, even if it is buried deep beneath layers of bitterness and hate.
Conclusion
"Indifference" is a masterful example of ambiguity in poetry. Robert Service leaves the interpretation up to the reader, allowing for multiple possible meanings and a sense of mystery that lingers long after the poem is finished. Whether it is a commentary on emotional numbness, a cynical take on love, or something else entirely, "Indifference" is a poem that continues to captivate and intrigue readers to this day.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Indifference: A Poem of Love and Loss
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative works. Among his many masterpieces, "Indifference" stands out as a poignant and thought-provoking poem that captures the essence of love and loss. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a powerful opening line that sets the tone for the rest of the work: "I said, for Love was laggard, O, Love was slow to come." Here, Service establishes the central theme of the poem - the slow and painful process of falling in love. The speaker is frustrated with the slow pace of love, and his impatience is palpable in the opening lines. He longs for the passion and intensity of love, but it seems to elude him.
The second stanza continues this theme, as the speaker laments the lack of response from his beloved. "I cried, 'I am a coming,' but Love was very coy." Here, we see the speaker's desperation and his need for love. He is willing to do whatever it takes to win the heart of his beloved, but Love remains elusive. The use of the word "coy" is particularly effective, as it suggests a playful and teasing nature, but also hints at the frustration and disappointment that the speaker feels.
The third stanza introduces a new element to the poem - the idea of indifference. "Who knows if she was tardy? Who knows if I was fleet?" Here, the speaker acknowledges that perhaps it is not just Love that is slow to come, but also his own efforts that are lacking. He questions whether his beloved is truly indifferent to his advances, or if he is simply not doing enough to win her over. This is a crucial moment in the poem, as it marks a shift in the speaker's perspective. He begins to question his own actions and motivations, and this self-reflection is a key element of the poem's message.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem, as the speaker confronts the reality of his situation. "I have culled the sweetest flowers from far and near, and I have chased the fleetest butterflies, but I am as I was, and she is as she was, and Love is not, though I die." Here, we see the speaker's despair and resignation. He has done everything he can to win the heart of his beloved, but it has all been for naught. He has collected the sweetest flowers and chased the fleetest butterflies, but he has not been able to capture the one thing he truly desires - Love. The repetition of the phrase "as she was, and Love is not" is particularly effective, as it emphasizes the finality of the situation. The speaker has come to the realization that Love is not meant for him, and he is willing to die for it.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful conclusion to this tale of love and loss. "I have sought what I shall never find, I have found what I shall never seek: It is an indifferent wind that blows, and no one cares for me." Here, the speaker acknowledges that he has been searching for something that he will never find - true love. He has found something that he never sought - indifference. The wind is a powerful symbol in this final stanza, representing the forces of fate and destiny that are beyond the speaker's control. The wind blows without regard for the speaker's desires or wishes, and he is left alone and uncared for.
In conclusion, "Indifference" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of love and loss. Through its themes of frustration, desperation, and resignation, the poem speaks to the universal human experience of seeking love and finding indifference. The use of powerful imagery and symbolism, such as the flowers, butterflies, and wind, adds depth and complexity to the poem, and makes it a timeless work of art. Robert Service has created a masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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