'Milking Time' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
There's a drip of honeysuckle in the deep green lane;
There's old Martin jogging homeward on his worn old wain;
There are cherry petals falling, and a cuckoo calling, calling,
And a score of larks (God bless 'em) . . . but it's all pain, pain.
For you see I am not really there at all, not at all;
For you see I'm in the trenches where the crump-crumps fall;
And the bits o' shells are screaming and it's only blessed dreaming
That in fancy I am seeming back in old Saint Pol.
Oh I've thought of it so often since I've come down here;
And I never dreamt that any place could be so dear;
The silvered whinstone houses, and the rosy men in blouses,
And the kindly, white-capped women with their eyes spring-clear.
And mother's sitting knitting where her roses climb,
And the angelus is calling with a soft, soft chime,
And the sea-wind comes caressing, and the light's a golden blessing,
And Yvonne, Yvonne is guessing that it's milking time.
Oh it's Sunday, for she's wearing of her broidered gown;
And she draws the pasture pickets and the cows come down;
And their feet are powdered yellow, and their voices honey-mellow,
And they bring a scent of clover, and their eyes are brown.
And Yvonne is dreaming after, but her eyes are blue;
And her lips are made for laughter, and her white teeth too;
And her mouth is like a cherry, and a dimple mocking merry
Is lurking in the very cheek she turns to you.
So I walk beside her kindly, and she laughs at me;
And I heap her arms with lilac from the lilac tree;
And a golden light is welling, and a golden peace is dwelling,
And a thousand birds are telling how it's good to be.
And what are pouting lips for if they can't be kissed?
And I've filled her arms with blossom so she can't resist;
And the cows are sadly straying, and her mother must be saying
That Yvonne is long delaying . . . God! How close that missed.
A nice polite reminder that the Boche are nigh;
That we're here to fight like devils, and if need-be die;
That from kissing pretty wenches to the frantic firing-benches
Of the battered, tattered trenches is a far, far cry.
Yet still I'm sitting dreaming in the glare and grime;
And once again I'm hearing of them church-bells chime;
And how I wonder whether in the golden summer weather
We will fetch the cows together when it's milking time. . . .
(English voice, months later): --
"Ow Bill! A rottin' Frenchy. Whew! 'E ain't 'arf prime."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Milking Time: A Poem by Robert Service
Have you ever read a poem that transports you to a different time and place, where you can almost feel the cool breeze on your face and smell the fresh hay of a barn? That's what Milking Time by Robert Service does. It takes you to the rustic world of a dairy farm, where the rhythm of life is dictated by the milking of cows. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of this classic poem.
The Themes of Milking Time
At its core, Milking Time is a celebration of the simplicity and beauty of rural life. The poem highlights the value of hard work, the harmony between man and nature, and the importance of familial ties.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and introduces the theme of hard work. The speaker describes the farmer as he "rubs his hands with easy glee" and prepares to milk his cows. The act of milking, which is repeated three times throughout the poem, is a symbol of the farmer's dedication to his work.
The second stanza focuses on the harmony between man and nature. The speaker describes the natural surroundings of the farm, such as the "swallows twittering in the eaves" and the "rosy-fingered dawn." The imagery here emphasizes the peaceful coexistence between humans and animals, as well as the cyclical nature of life.
The final stanza reveals the importance of familial ties. The speaker notes how the "kittens cuddle to the cat" and the "dog lies stretched before the grate." These images evoke a sense of warmth and comfort, suggesting that the farmer's home is a happy one. Moreover, the final line of the poem (which I'll discuss later in this interpretation) highlights the farmer's love for his wife and child.
The Imagery of Milking Time
One of the things that make Milking Time such a beautiful poem is its vivid imagery. Robert Service uses sensory details to create a world that feels tangible and real.
The first stanza is full of tactile imagery. We can almost feel the "roughened hands" of the farmer and see the "tawny, knotted arms" of the cows. The use of color imagery (such as "white milk spurting") also adds to the poem's realism.
The second stanza is more focused on visual imagery. The speaker describes the "rosy-fingered dawn" and the "swallows twittering in the eaves." These images evoke a sense of tranquility and beauty.
The final stanza shifts to more auditory imagery. We can almost hear the "crackle of the logs" and the "crockery's clink and clang." The use of onomatopoeia (such as "cuddles to the cat" and "dog lies stretched before the grate") also adds to the poem's musicality.
The Symbolism of Milking Time
Milking Time is a poem that is rich in symbolism. The act of milking, as I mentioned earlier, is a symbol of the farmer's dedication to his work. But there are other symbols at play as well.
The cows themselves can be seen as symbols of fertility and abundance. They represent the source of the farmer's livelihood and the bounty of the land.
The swallows, which are mentioned twice in the poem, can be seen as symbols of freedom and mobility. They are able to fly and migrate, which the farmer cannot do. Yet, they choose to make their home on his farm, suggesting a mutual respect between man and nature.
Finally, the image of the "wife and child" in the final line of the poem is a powerful symbol of love and family. It is the perfect conclusion to a poem that celebrates the joys of rural life.
Conclusion
Milking Time is a poem that is both simple and profound. It celebrates the beauty of nature, the value of hard work, and the importance of family. Through vivid imagery and powerful symbolism, Robert Service creates a world that feels alive and real. It's a poem that makes you want to take a deep breath and savor every moment of life. So, next time you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take a moment to read Milking Time and let it transport you to a simpler, more beautiful world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Milking Time: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a fan of classic poetry, then you've probably heard of Robert Service. He was a Scottish-Canadian poet who wrote some of the most memorable poems of the 20th century. One of his most famous works is "Milking Time," a poem that captures the essence of rural life and the beauty of nature. In this article, we'll take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and language.
Themes
At its core, "Milking Time" is a poem about the simple joys of life. It celebrates the beauty of nature, the satisfaction of hard work, and the importance of family and community. The poem is set on a farm, where the speaker describes the daily routine of milking cows. But this routine is not just a chore; it's a ritual that connects the speaker to the land and to the people around him.
The poem also touches on the theme of time. The title itself, "Milking Time," suggests a certain rhythm and routine. The speaker describes the "slow, sweet hours" of the evening, when the cows are milked and the day comes to a close. But even as time passes, the speaker finds comfort in the constancy of the farm and the natural world. He describes the "eternal hills" and the "everlasting sky," reminding us that even as we age and change, the world around us remains constant.
Structure
"Milking Time" is a free verse poem, meaning that it doesn't follow a strict rhyme or meter. Instead, the poem is structured around the speaker's observations and reflections. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of the farm and the milking process.
The first stanza sets the scene, describing the "purple shadows" and the "drowsy cows" as the speaker begins his work. The second stanza focuses on the speaker's relationship with the cows, describing their "gentle eyes" and the "warm, sweet breath" that he feels as he milks them. The third stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on the beauty of the natural world and the comfort that he finds in his routine.
Language
One of the most striking things about "Milking Time" is its language. Robert Service was known for his simple, direct style, and this poem is no exception. The language is straightforward and unadorned, but it's also rich with sensory detail. The speaker describes the "fragrant breath" of the cows, the "drowsy hum" of the flies, and the "purple shadows" that fall across the land. These details create a vivid picture of the farm and the natural world, immersing the reader in the speaker's experience.
The language is also notable for its use of repetition. Throughout the poem, the speaker repeats certain phrases and images, creating a sense of rhythm and continuity. For example, he describes the "gentle eyes" of the cows twice in the second stanza, emphasizing the connection that he feels with these animals. He also repeats the phrase "slow, sweet hours" in the third stanza, underscoring the peacefulness of the farm and the routine of milking time.
Conclusion
"Milking Time" is a classic poem that captures the beauty of rural life and the importance of simple pleasures. Through its themes, structure, and language, the poem celebrates the natural world and the connections that we form with it. Whether you're a fan of poetry or just appreciate the beauty of nature, "Milking Time" is a poem that's sure to resonate with you.
Editor Recommended Sites
Prompt Ops: Prompt operations best practice for the cloudFlutter consulting - DFW flutter development & Southlake / Westlake Flutter Engineering: Flutter development agency for dallas Fort worth
Learn Javascript: Learn to program in the javascript programming language, typescript, learn react
Deep Dive Video: Deep dive courses for LLMs, machine learning and software engineering
Learn GPT: Learn large language models and local fine tuning for enterprise applications
Recommended Similar Analysis
Before the Birth of One of Her Children by Anne Bradstreet analysisSpelling by Margaret Atwood analysis
When Death Comes by Mary Oliver analysis
To His Mistress Going to Bed by John Donne analysis
I like to see it lap the miles, by Emily Dickinson analysis
Four Zoas, The (excerpt) by William Blake analysis
There's a certain Slant of light by Emily Dickinson analysis
The Waiting Supper by Thomas Hardy analysis
Youth and Calm by Matthew Arnold analysis
Faces by Walt Whitman analysis