'A Song Of Sixty-Five' by Robert Service
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Brave Thackeray has trolled of days when he was twenty-one,
And bounded up five flights of stairs, a gallant garreteer;
And yet again in mellow vein when youth was gaily run,
Has dipped his nose in Gascon wine, and told of Forty Year.
But if I worthy were to sing a richer, rarer time,
I'd tune my pipes before the fire and merrily I'd strive
To praise that age when prose again has given way to rhyme,
The Indian Summer days of life when I'll be Sixty-five;
For then my work will all be done, my voyaging be past,
And I'll have earned the right to rest where folding hills are green;
So in some glassy anchorage I'll make my cable fast, --
Oh, let the seas show all their teeth, I'll sit and smile serene.
The storm may bellow round the roof, I'll bide beside the fire,
And many a scene of sail and trail within the flame I'll see;
For I'll have worn away the spur of passion and desire. . . .
Oh yes, when I am Sixty-five, what peace will come to me.
I'll take my breakfast in my bed, I'll rise at half-past ten,
When all the world is nicely groomed and full of golden song;
I'll smoke a bit and joke a bit, and read the news, and then
I'll potter round my peach-trees till I hear the luncheon gong.
And after that I think I'll doze an hour, well, maybe two,
And then I'll show some kindred soul how well my roses thrive;
I'll do the things I never yet have found the time to do. . . .
Oh, won't I be the busy man when I am Sixty-five.
I'll revel in my library; I'll read De Morgan's books;
I'll grow so garrulous I fear you'll write me down a bore;
I'll watch the ways of ants and bees in quiet sunny nooks,
I'll understand Creation as I never did before.
When gossips round the tea-cups talk I'll listen to it all;
On smiling days some kindly friend will take me for a drive:
I'll own a shaggy collie dog that dashes to my call:
I'll celebrate my second youth when I am Sixty-five.
Ah, though I've twenty years to go, I see myself quite plain,
A wrinkling, twinkling, rosy-cheeked, benevolent old chap;
I think I'll wear a tartan shawl and lean upon a cane.
I hope that I'll have silver hair beneath a velvet cap.
I see my little grandchildren a-romping round my knee;
So gay the scene, I almost wish 'twould hasten to arrive.
Let others sing of Youth and Spring, still will it seem to me
The golden time's the olden time, some time round Sixty-five.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Song Of Sixty-Five by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetic Craftsmanship
Oh, how I love this poem! Every time I read it, I feel like dancing and singing along. A Song of Sixty-Five by Robert Service is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship that captures the essence of life, love, and aging in a beautiful and touching way. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various literary devices used by Service and the deeper meanings behind his words.
Summary of A Song Of Sixty-Five
At its core, A Song of Sixty-Five is a celebration of life and love in old age. The poem opens with the speaker declaring that he is 65 years old and that he has lived a full and happy life. He then goes on to describe the various pleasures of his life, such as the beauty of nature, the joys of friendship, and the love of his wife.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of aging and the knowledge that his time on earth is limited. However, he does not despair or mourn the passing of his youth. Instead, he embraces the present moment and continues to find joy in the simple pleasures of life.
The poem concludes with the speaker looking towards the future, knowing that death is approaching but also expressing his belief in an afterlife where he will be reunited with his loved ones. Overall, A Song of Sixty-Five is a powerful ode to the joys of life and the resilience of the human spirit.
Literary Devices in A Song Of Sixty-Five
Service's use of various literary devices in A Song of Sixty-Five adds depth and nuance to the poem. Here are some of the most notable devices:
Rhyme Scheme
The rhyme scheme of A Song of Sixty-Five is AABBCCDDEEFFGGHHIIJJ. This consistent pattern creates a sense of musicality and flow in the poem, making it easy to read and memorize. It also helps to reinforce the central themes of the poem, such as the cycle of life and the continuity of love.
Rhythm and Meter
Service's choice of rhythm and meter in A Song of Sixty-Five contributes to the poem's musicality and emotional impact. The poem is written in trochaic tetrameter, which means that each line consists of four trochees (a stressed syllable followed by an unstressed syllable). This creates a strong, steady beat that mimics the rhythm of a heart or a clock ticking away the time.
Personification
Service uses personification throughout A Song of Sixty-Five to imbue nature with a sense of life and vibrancy. For example, he describes the "wind a-sighing" and the "trees a-singing," giving these elements of nature human-like qualities. This not only adds to the poem's musicality but also reinforces the speaker's love and appreciation for the natural world.
Repetition
Service uses repetition throughout A Song of Sixty-Five to emphasize certain phrases and create a sense of rhythm and unity. For example, the line "But oh, the glory of their faces" is repeated four times throughout the poem, each time with a slightly different context. This repetition serves to highlight the importance of love and friendship in the speaker's life.
Imagery
Service's use of imagery in A Song of Sixty-Five is one of the poem's greatest strengths. He paints vivid pictures of nature, love, and aging that resonate with readers on a deep emotional level. For example, he describes the "silver tides" of the sea and the "golden haze" of autumn, creating a sense of beauty and wonder. He also uses powerful imagery to convey the speaker's feelings of love and nostalgia, such as the line "I taste the honey of the past."
Interpretation of A Song Of Sixty-Five
While A Song of Sixty-Five is a beautiful poem on its own, it also contains deeper meanings that can be interpreted in various ways. Here are some possible interpretations of the poem:
Celebration of Life
At its core, A Song of Sixty-Five is a celebration of life and all its joys and pleasures. The speaker expresses his love for nature, friendship, and his wife, and he embraces the present moment despite the inevitability of aging and death. This interpretation is reinforced by the poem's use of beautiful imagery and musicality, which create a sense of wonder and appreciation for life.
Reflection on Aging
Despite its celebratory tone, A Song of Sixty-Five also contains reflections on the process of aging and the knowledge that death is approaching. The speaker acknowledges that his body is no longer as strong as it once was and that he is closer to the end of his life than the beginning. However, he does not mourn this fact or dwell on it too much. Instead, he focuses on the present moment and finds joy in the simple pleasures of life.
Continuity of Love
A Song of Sixty-Five emphasizes the continuity of love throughout a person's life. The speaker expresses his deep love for his wife, even after many years of marriage, and he believes that this love will continue after death. This interpretation is reinforced by the poem's use of repetition and imagery, which create a sense of unity and timelessness.
Resilience of the Human Spirit
Finally, A Song of Sixty-Five is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of aging and death. Despite knowing that his time on earth is limited, the speaker remains optimistic and hopeful. He finds joy in the present moment and looks towards the future with a belief in an afterlife where he will be reunited with his loved ones. This interpretation is reinforced by the poem's musicality and use of powerful imagery, which create a sense of strength and resilience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, A Song of Sixty-Five by Robert Service is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship that celebrates life, love, and aging in a beautiful and touching way. Service's use of literary devices such as rhyme scheme, rhythm and meter, personification, repetition, and imagery all contribute to the poem's musicality and emotional impact. The poem can be interpreted in various ways, including as a celebration of life, a reflection on aging, a testament to the continuity of love, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Overall, A Song of Sixty-Five is a powerful and inspiring work of literature that deserves to be read and appreciated by all.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Song of Sixty-Five: A Timeless Ode to Life's Journey
Robert Service's "A Song of Sixty-Five" is a classic poem that captures the essence of life's journey. It is a timeless ode to the joys and sorrows of growing old, and the wisdom that comes with age. The poem is a celebration of life, and a reminder that every moment is precious.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his life, and the many experiences he has had. He speaks of the joys of youth, and the excitement of exploring the world. He remembers the thrill of falling in love, and the joy of starting a family. He speaks of the challenges he has faced, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the passing of time, and the inevitability of aging. He speaks of the changes that have taken place in his life, and the way that his priorities have shifted. He speaks of the loss of loved ones, and the pain that comes with saying goodbye.
Despite the challenges of growing old, the speaker remains optimistic. He speaks of the joy of watching his children and grandchildren grow, and the satisfaction of knowing that he has lived a full and meaningful life. He speaks of the beauty of nature, and the way that it continues to inspire him.
The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on his own mortality, and the knowledge that his time on earth is limited. He speaks of the importance of living in the moment, and cherishing every day. He reminds us that life is a precious gift, and that we should make the most of every opportunity.
One of the most striking aspects of "A Song of Sixty-Five" is the way that it captures the universal experience of aging. The poem speaks to people of all ages, and reminds us that we are all on a journey that will eventually lead us to old age. It is a reminder that we should cherish every moment, and make the most of the time that we have.
Another notable aspect of the poem is the way that it celebrates the beauty of life. Despite the challenges and hardships that the speaker has faced, he remains optimistic and grateful for the many blessings that he has received. He speaks of the joy of love, the beauty of nature, and the satisfaction of a life well-lived.
The poem also speaks to the importance of family and community. The speaker speaks of the joy of watching his children and grandchildren grow, and the importance of passing on wisdom and knowledge to future generations. He reminds us that we are all connected, and that our actions have an impact on those around us.
In terms of poetic technique, "A Song of Sixty-Five" is notable for its use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem has a musical quality that makes it easy to read aloud, and the rhyming couplets give it a sense of structure and formality. The use of repetition also adds to the poem's musicality, and helps to reinforce its themes.
Overall, "A Song of Sixty-Five" is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the universal experience of aging. It is a reminder that life is a precious gift, and that we should cherish every moment. It is a celebration of the beauty of life, and a reminder that we are all connected. It is a timeless ode to the joys and sorrows of growing old, and the wisdom that comes with age.
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