'Finale' by Robert Service


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Here is this vale of sweet abiding,
My ultimate and dulcet home,
That gently dreams above the chiding
of restless and impatient foam;
Beyond the hazards of hell weather,
The harceling of wind and sea,
With timbers morticed tight together
My old hulk havens happily.

The dawn exultantly discloses
My lawn lit with mimosa gold;
The joy of January roses
Is with me when rich lands are cold;
Serene with bells of beauty chiming,
This dream domain to be belongs,
By sweet conspiracy of rhyming,
And virtue of some idle songs.

I thank the gracious Lord of Living
Who gave me power and will to write:
May I be worthy of His giving
And win to merit in His sight. . . .
O merciful and mighty Master,
Though I have faltered in the past,
Your scribe I be. . . . Despite disaster
Let me be faithful to the last.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Masterpiece of Poetry: An In-depth Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Robert Service's Finale

When it comes to poetry, few names stand out quite like Robert Service. Known for his vivid and imaginative works that often capture the essence of the human experience, Service was a true master of his craft. And one of his finest works is undoubtedly the poem "Finale". Originally published in Service's 1933 collection "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man", this poem is a true masterpiece that deserves to be studied and appreciated by anyone who loves poetry.

So, what makes "Finale" such a great poem? Let's dive in and take a closer look.

The Structure and Style

First of all, it's worth noting the structure and style of the poem. "Finale" is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. Each line has a consistent number of syllables, giving the poem a steady and rhythmic flow. This is a hallmark of Service's work, as he often used simple and accessible language to create poems that were easy to read and understand.

But the simplicity of the language is deceptive. Despite its accessibility, "Finale" is a deeply emotional and powerful poem that speaks to the heart of what it means to be human. The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a personal and intimate feel. It's as if we are being invited into the poet's mind and heart, and experiencing his emotions and thoughts firsthand.

The Theme

The theme of the poem is mortality and the fear of death. Service begins the poem by acknowledging that he is growing old and that death is inevitable. He describes how his body is failing him, and how he is becoming more and more aware of his own mortality. This is a theme that has been explored by countless poets throughout history, but Service brings a unique perspective to it.

One of the most striking things about "Finale" is how the fear of death is contrasted with the beauty and wonder of life. Service marvels at the world around him, describing the beauty of the trees and the sky, and the joy of being alive. Even as he acknowledges that his time is limited, he seems to take comfort in the fact that he has been able to experience the world in all its glory.

The Imagery

One of the things that makes "Finale" such a rich and rewarding poem is the vivid imagery that Service employs. He uses sensory details to bring the world around him to life, describing the colors, sounds, and smells of nature. For example, he describes the "purple glow of distant hills" and the "whisper of the wind in the trees". These details help to create a vivid and immersive picture of the world that Service is describing.

But the imagery in the poem serves a deeper purpose as well. Service uses nature as a metaphor for life itself, describing how the world is constantly changing and evolving. The trees grow taller, the leaves change colors, and the seasons come and go. Life is a constant cycle of birth, growth, and decay, and Service seems to take comfort in the fact that he is a part of that cycle.

The Emotion

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of "Finale" is the emotion that it evokes. Service is unafraid to express his fear and uncertainty about death, but he also expresses a profound sense of wonder and gratitude for the world around him. There is a sense of acceptance in the poem, as if Service has come to terms with his mortality and is at peace with it.

This is most evident in the final stanza of the poem, which is perhaps the most powerful and moving. Service describes how he will eventually be laid to rest, but how his spirit will live on in the world around him. He writes:

"And so goodbye to Life and Light. Goodbye to Love and Laughter. Goodbye to hope, Goodbye to sight, Goodbye to all but Life Hereafter."

There is a sense of finality in these lines, but also a sense of continuity. Service seems to be saying that even though he will be gone, his spirit will live on in the world he has inhabited. It's a powerful and reassuring message, and one that resonates deeply with readers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Finale" is a true masterpiece of poetry. It combines a simple and accessible style with profound and powerful themes to create a work that is both moving and memorable. Service's use of vivid imagery and personal emotion helps to bring the poem to life, and his message of acceptance and continuity in the face of mortality is one that resonates deeply with readers. If you haven't read "Finale" yet, I highly recommend that you do. It's a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Finale by Robert Service is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful piece of literature that captures the essence of life and death. The poem is a celebration of life and the inevitability of death. It is a reminder that life is short and we should make the most of it.

The poem begins with the line, "There's a whisper down the field where the year has shot her yield." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a reminder that the year is coming to an end and that life is fleeting. The line also suggests that there is something in the air, a sense of anticipation or excitement.

The next few lines of the poem describe the beauty of nature. The leaves are turning gold and the sky is blue. The poem paints a picture of a beautiful autumn day. The imagery is vivid and it is easy to imagine the scene that the poet is describing.

The poem then takes a darker turn. The poet describes the sound of a gun and the sight of a bird falling from the sky. This is a reminder that death is a part of life. The bird is a symbol of life and the gun is a symbol of death. The poet is suggesting that death is always lurking around the corner, waiting to strike.

The next few lines of the poem are a celebration of life. The poet describes the joy of living and the beauty of the world. He talks about the laughter of children and the love of friends. The poem is a reminder that life is precious and we should cherish every moment.

The poem then takes another dark turn. The poet describes the sound of a bell tolling and the sight of a funeral procession. This is a reminder that death is inevitable. The bell is a symbol of death and the funeral procession is a symbol of the end of life. The poet is suggesting that we should not take life for granted because it can be taken away from us at any moment.

The final lines of the poem are a celebration of death. The poet describes death as a friend who will take us to a better place. He talks about the peace that comes with death and the joy of being reunited with loved ones who have passed away. The poem is a reminder that death is not something to be feared, but something to be embraced.

In conclusion, Finale by Robert Service is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of life and death. It is a reminder that life is short and we should make the most of it. The poem celebrates life and the beauty of the world, but it also reminds us that death is inevitable. The poem suggests that we should not fear death, but embrace it as a friend who will take us to a better place. Overall, Finale is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.

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