'Bill The Bomber' by Robert Service

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The poppies gleamed like bloody pools through cotton-woolly mist;
The Captain kept a-lookin' at the watch upon his wrist;
And there we smoked and squatted, as we watched the shrapnel flame;
'Twas wonnerful, I'm tellin' you, how fast them bullets came.
'Twas weary work the waiting, though; I tried to sleep a wink,
For waitin' means a-thinkin', and it doesn't do to think.
So I closed my eyes a little, and I had a niceish dream
Of a-standin' by a dresser with a dish of Devon cream;
But I hadn't time to sample it, for suddenlike I woke:
"Come on, me lads!" the Captain says, 'n I climbed out through the smoke.
We spread out in the open: it was like a bath of lead;
But the boys they cheered and hollered fit to raise the bloody dead,
Till a beastly bullet copped 'em, then they lay without a sound,
And it's odd -- we didn't seem to heed them corpses on the ground.
And I kept on thinkin', thinkin', as the bullets faster flew,
How they picks the werry best men, and they lets the rotters through;
So indiscriminatin' like, they spares a man of sin,
And a rare lad wot's a husband and a father gets done in.
And while havin' these reflections and advancin' on the run,
A bullet biffs me shoulder, and says I: "That's number one."

Well, it downed me for a jiffy, but I didn't lose me calm,
For I knew that I was needed: I'm a bomber, so I am.
I 'ad lost me cap and rifle, but I "carried on" because
I 'ad me bombs and knew that they was needed, so they was.
We didn't 'ave no singin' now, nor many men to cheer;
Maybe the shrapnel drowned 'em, crashin' out so werry near;
And the Maxims got us sideways, and the bullets faster flew,
And I copped one on me flipper, and says I: "That's number two."

I was pleased it was the left one, for I 'ad me bombs, ye see,
And 'twas 'ard if they'd be wasted like, and all along o' me.
And I'd lost me 'at and rifle -- but I told you that before,
So I packed me mit inside me coat and "carried on" once more.
But the rumpus it was wicked, and the men were scarcer yet,
And I felt me ginger goin', but me jaws I kindo set,
And we passed the Boche first trenches, which was 'eapin' 'igh with dead,
And we started for their second, which was fifty feet ahead;
When something like a 'ammer smashed me savage on the knee,
And down I came all muck and blood: Says I: "That's number three."

So there I lay all 'elpless like, and bloody sick at that,
And worryin' like anythink, because I'd lost me 'at;
And thinkin' of me missis, and the partin' words she said:
"If you gets killed, write quick, ol' man, and tell me as you're dead."
And lookin' at me bunch o' bombs -- that was the 'ardest blow,
To think I'd never 'ave the chance to 'url them at the foe.
And there was all our boys in front, a-fightin' there like mad,
And me as could 'ave 'elped 'em wiv the lovely bombs I 'ad.
And so I cussed and cussed, and then I struggled back again,
Into that bit of battered trench, packed solid with its slain.

Now as I lay a-lyin' there and blastin' of me lot,
And wishin' I could just dispose of all them bombs I'd got,
I sees within the doorway of a shy, retirin' dug-out
Six Boches all a-grinnin', and their Captain stuck 'is mug out;
And they 'ad a nice machine gun, and I twigged what they was at;
And they fixed it on a tripod, and I watched 'em like a cat;
And they got it in position, and they seemed so werry glad,
Like they'd got us in a death-trap, which, condemn their souls! they 'ad.
For there our boys was fightin' fifty yards in front, and 'ere
This lousy bunch of Boches they 'ad got us in the rear.

Oh it set me blood a-boilin' and I quite forgot me pain,
So I started crawlin', crawlin' over all them mounds of slain;
And them barstards was so busy-like they 'ad no eyes for me,
And me bleedin' leg was draggin', but me right arm it was free. . . .
And now they 'ave it all in shape, and swingin' sweet and clear;
And now they're all excited like, but -- I am drawin' near;
And now they 'ave it loaded up, and now they're takin' aim. . . .
Rat-tat-tat-tat! Oh here, says I, is where I join the game.
And my right arm it goes swingin', and a bomb it goes a-slingin',
And that "typewriter" goes wingin' in a thunderbolt of flame.

Then these Boches, wot was left of 'em, they tumbled down their 'ole,
And up I climbed a mound of dead, and down on them I stole.
And oh that blessed moment when I heard their frightened yell,
And I laughed down in that dug-out, ere I bombed their souls to hell.
And now I'm in the hospital, surprised that I'm alive;
We started out a thousand men, we came back thirty-five.
And I'm minus of a trotter, but I'm most amazin' gay,
For me bombs they wasn't wasted, though, you might say, "thrown away".

Editor 1 Interpretation

Bill The Bomber: A Critique and Interpretation

Robert Service's poem "Bill The Bomber" is a captivating piece that provides a glimpse into the life of a bomber pilot during World War II. The poem's narrative is compelling, and the poet's choice of words is masterful. The poem's structure is well-thought-out, and the use of various literary devices enhances its impact. This literary critique and interpretation will delve into the various aspects of the poem and analyze its significance.

Synopsis of the Poem

"Bill the Bomber" is a narrative poem that depicts the life of a bomber pilot during World War II. The poem begins with an introduction to the protagonist, Bill, who is a brave and experienced pilot. The first few stanzas describe Bill's courage and his unwavering commitment to his duty. The poem then takes a turn and describes the horrors of war. The pilot describes his experience of bombing a city, and the reader is transported into the chaos and devastation of the warzone. The poem ends with Bill's reflection on the futility of war and the need for peace.

Structure of the Poem

"Bill the Bomber" is composed of 32 stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's structure is simple and follows a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. The poem is devoid of enjambments, and each line is a complete statement. The poem's simplicity reflects the straightforwardness of the protagonist's character.

Language and Literary Devices

Service's use of language and literary devices is masterful in "Bill the Bomber." The poem's language is simple and direct, reflecting the straightforwardness of the protagonist's character. The poet's use of imagery is vivid, allowing the reader to visualize the chaos and destruction of the war.

One of the most striking literary devices used in the poem is personification. The city is personified as a living entity that is being attacked by the bomber. The personification adds a layer of emotion to the poem and shows the reader the scale of the devastation caused by the war.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The poet repeats the phrase "I dropped my load" several times throughout the poem. The repetition emphasizes the pilot's role and the weight of the responsibility on his shoulders.

Themes

The primary theme of "Bill the Bomber" is the futility of war. Through the protagonist's eyes, the reader is exposed to the horrors of war, and the poem serves as a reminder of the cost of war. The poem also highlights the importance of peace and the need for humanity to avoid conflicts.

Another theme explored in the poem is the sacrifice and bravery of soldiers. Bill's character embodies bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to his duty. The pilot's character is a tribute to the soldiers who fought in World War II.

Interpretation

"Bill the Bomber" is a poignant reminder of the horrors of war and the need for peace. The poem is a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in World War II. The poet's use of vivid imagery and personification adds an emotional layer to the poem, making it a powerful piece that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, reflecting the protagonist's character. The poem's language is direct, and the poet's use of repetition adds weight to the pilot's role and responsibility.

The primary theme of the poem is the futility of war. The poem serves as a reminder of the cost of war and highlights the importance of peace. Another theme explored in the poem is the sacrifice and bravery of soldiers. Bill's character embodies bravery, sacrifice, and commitment to his duty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Bill the Bomber" is a powerful poem that highlights the horrors of war and the need for peace. The poet's use of vivid imagery, personification, repetition, and straightforward language adds an emotional layer to the poem. The poem's structure reflects the protagonist's character, and the themes of the poem serve as a tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of soldiers who fought in World War II. "Bill the Bomber" is a timeless masterpiece that will continue to resonate with readers for years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Bill The Bomber: A Classic Poem of Heroism and Sacrifice

Robert Service’s “Bill The Bomber” is a classic poem that tells the story of a brave bomber pilot who sacrifices his life for his country during World War II. The poem is a powerful tribute to the courage and selflessness of those who fought and died for their country, and it has become a beloved piece of literature for generations of readers.

The poem begins with a description of Bill, the bomber pilot, as he prepares for his mission. Service’s vivid imagery paints a picture of a man who is calm and collected, despite the danger that lies ahead. We see Bill as he checks his plane, adjusts his goggles, and climbs into the cockpit, ready to take to the skies.

As the plane takes off, we are given a glimpse into Bill’s thoughts and emotions. He is aware of the risks he is taking, but he is also driven by a sense of duty and patriotism. He knows that he is fighting for a cause that is greater than himself, and he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

As the plane approaches its target, the tension in the poem builds. Service’s use of language and imagery creates a sense of urgency and danger, as we see Bill navigating through enemy fire and dodging anti-aircraft guns. We can feel the adrenaline pumping through his veins as he prepares to drop his payload and complete his mission.

But then, disaster strikes. Bill’s plane is hit by enemy fire, and he is forced to make a split-second decision. He could bail out and save himself, but he knows that his payload must be dropped in order to complete the mission. Without hesitation, he makes the ultimate sacrifice, staying with the plane and dropping the bombs before it crashes to the ground.

The final stanza of the poem is a powerful tribute to Bill’s heroism and sacrifice. Service’s use of language is simple and direct, but it packs a powerful emotional punch. We are left with a sense of awe and reverence for this brave pilot who gave his life for his country.

One of the most striking aspects of “Bill The Bomber” is its use of language and imagery. Service’s descriptions of the plane, the mission, and the danger that Bill faces are incredibly vivid and evocative. We can feel the wind rushing past us as the plane takes off, and we can hear the roar of the engines as it approaches its target. The use of sensory details like these helps to immerse the reader in the world of the poem, making it feel more real and immediate.

Another key element of the poem is its exploration of themes like duty, sacrifice, and patriotism. Bill’s decision to stay with the plane and complete his mission, even at the cost of his own life, is a powerful example of the sacrifices that soldiers make for their country. The poem also touches on the idea of duty and responsibility, as Bill knows that he must complete his mission in order to help his fellow soldiers on the ground.

Overall, “Bill The Bomber” is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Its themes of heroism, sacrifice, and patriotism are as relevant today as they were when the poem was first written, and its vivid language and imagery continue to captivate readers of all ages. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply a lover of great storytelling, “Bill The Bomber” is a must-read for anyone who wants to be inspired by the courage and selflessness of those who have fought and died for their country.

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