'Six Feet Of Sod' by Robert Service
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This is the end of all my ways,
My wanderings on earth,
My gloomy and my golden days,
My madness and my mirth.
I've bought ten thousand blades of grass
To bed me down below,
And here I wait the days to pass
Until I go.
Until I bid good bye to friend,
To feast and fast goodbye,
And in a stint of soil the end
I seek of sun and sky.
My farings far on land and sea,
My trails of global girth
Sum up to this,--to cover me
Six feet of earth.
My home of homes I hold in fee
For centuries to pass,
When snug my skeleton will be
And grin up through the grass;
When my grey ghost will bend above,
And grieve to gracious God
This endless end of life and love,--
Six feet of sod.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Six Feet of Sod: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Service’s “Six Feet of Sod” is a poem that speaks to the inevitability of death and the fragility of life. In this 32-line piece, Service takes the reader on a journey through the physical and emotional stages of death. The poem, published in 1912, has been a classic since its release, and its themes remain relevant to this day. This literary criticism and interpretation will explore the poem’s themes, structure, language, and literary devices to provide an in-depth analysis of this masterpiece.
Themes
The poem’s central theme is the inevitability of death. Service uses vivid imagery to showcase the fragility of life and the finality of death. The poem speaks to the idea that death is not something that can be avoided or delayed. The image of “six feet of sod” is a reminder that when we die, we are buried in the ground, and there is nothing we can do to escape it. Service writes, “When our last breath we breathe / And wearily lay the burden down / Of the days that are no more / We shall say good-bye to the bubbling sun” (Service, 3-6). This stanza encapsulates the poem’s central theme and reminds us that death is an inevitable part of life.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of legacy. Service suggests that death is not the end of our story. Instead, our legacy lives on through the memories of those who knew us. The poem reads, “We shall hear the larks and the thrushes / And watch the white swallows flight / We shall hear the harvest song / And the shouting for the right” (Service, 21-24). These lines remind us that even though we may be gone, our impact on the world will live on through the memories of those who loved us.
Structure
“Six Feet of Sod” is a poem that is structured into four stanzas of eight lines each. The poem has a consistent rhyme scheme throughout, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming, as do the second and fourth lines, and so on. The consistent structure and rhyme scheme give the poem a sense of order and stability, which is juxtaposed with the subject matter of death and the uncertainty that comes with it.
The poem is also divided into two distinct sections. The first section describes the physical process of death, while the second section speaks to the emotional impact of death. The first two stanzas deal with the physical process of dying and the inevitability of death. The third stanza speaks to the idea of legacy and the impact that we have on the world. The final stanza is a call to action, reminding us to live our lives to the fullest and make the most of the time we have.
Language
Service uses vivid and descriptive language to create a sense of atmosphere and emotion throughout the poem. The language is simple and accessible, making the poem easy to read and understand. The use of repetition and alliteration adds to the poem’s musicality and helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow.
One of the most striking examples of descriptive language in the poem is the image of “six feet of sod” itself. This image is a powerful reminder of the finality of death and is one that stays with the reader long after they have finished the poem. The poem also uses imagery to create a sense of atmosphere, such as in the line, “We shall hear the larks and the thrushes / And watch the white swallows flight” (Service, 21-22). This image evokes a sense of peace and tranquility and is a reminder that death is not necessarily something to be feared.
Literary Devices
Service employs several literary devices throughout the poem, including repetition, alliteration, and metaphor. Repetition is used throughout the poem, with the phrase “six feet of sod” repeated several times. This repetition serves to reinforce the poem’s central theme and creates a sense of inevitability and finality.
Alliteration is also used to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. The line, “And wearily lay the burden down” (Service, 4) is an example of alliteration, with the repetition of the “w” sound creating a sense of weariness and fatigue.
Metaphor is also a prominent literary device in the poem. The image of “six feet of sod” is a metaphor for death, and the use of this metaphor throughout the poem creates a sense of unity and cohesion.
Conclusion
“Six Feet of Sod” is a classic poem that speaks to the inevitability of death and the fragility of life. The poem’s central themes of legacy and the finality of death are still relevant today, and the poem’s structure, language, and literary devices make it a masterpiece of modern poetry. Robert Service’s ability to create vivid imagery and convey complex emotions in simple and accessible language is what makes “Six Feet of Sod” a timeless classic. This poem serves as a reminder to live our lives to the fullest and to make the most of the time we have, as we never know when our “six feet of sod” will be waiting for us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Six Feet of Sod: A Poem That Will Leave You Breathless
Robert Service is a name that is synonymous with poetry. His works have been read and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. One of his most famous poems is Six Feet of Sod. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both poignant and powerful. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with the line, "There are many who say that in death we are free." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that death is a release from the burdens of life. However, the poem quickly takes a darker turn. The next line reads, "To sleep, perchance to dream, ah, there's the rub." This line is a reference to Shakespeare's Hamlet. It suggests that death may not be the release that we hope for. Instead, it may be a continuation of the struggles and pains of life.
The poem then goes on to describe the process of burial. The speaker describes how the body is wrapped in a shroud and placed in a coffin. The coffin is then lowered into the ground and covered with six feet of sod. This imagery is powerful and evocative. It captures the finality of death and the sense of loss that comes with it.
The poem then takes a surprising turn. The speaker suggests that the dead are not truly gone. Instead, they live on in the memories of those who loved them. The speaker says, "But the dead are not dead to the hearts they have won." This line suggests that love is stronger than death. It suggests that the memories of those we have lost can sustain us and give us comfort.
The poem then returns to the theme of death. The speaker suggests that death is a great equalizer. It comes for us all, regardless of our station in life. The speaker says, "The rich and the poor, the great and the small, are levelled alike in the narrow hall." This line suggests that death is the great equalizer. It suggests that in death, we are all the same.
The poem then ends with a powerful image. The speaker suggests that the dead are not truly gone. Instead, they live on in the earth itself. The speaker says, "And the grass may grow and the flowers may blow, but the dust of their hearts is the heart of the land." This line suggests that the dead are not truly gone. Instead, they live on in the very earth itself. It suggests that death is not an end, but a continuation of life in a different form.
Overall, Six Feet of Sod is a powerful and evocative poem. It captures the essence of life and death in a way that is both poignant and powerful. The imagery and symbolism used in the poem are masterful. They capture the finality of death and the sense of loss that comes with it. However, the poem also suggests that death is not an end, but a continuation of life in a different form. It suggests that love is stronger than death and that the memories of those we have lost can sustain us and give us comfort. If you have not read Six Feet of Sod, I highly recommend that you do so. It is a poem that will leave you breathless.
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