'Laziness' by Robert Service

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Let laureates sing with rapturous swing
Of the wonder and glory of work;
Let pulpiteers preach and with passion impeach
The indolent wretches who shirk.
No doubt they are right: in the stress of the fight
It's the slackers who go to the wall;
So though it's my shame I perversely proclaim
It's fine to do nothing at all.

It's fine to recline on the flat of one's spine,
With never a thought in one's head:
It's lovely to le staring up at the sky
When others are earning their bread.
It's great to feel one with the soil and the sun,
Drowned deep in the grasses so tall;
Oh it's noble to sweat, pounds and dollars to get,
But - it's grand to do nothing at all.

So sing to the praise of the fellows who laze
Instead of lambasting the soil;
The vagabonds gay who lounge by the way,
Conscientious objectors to toil.
But lest you should think, by this spatter of ink,
The Muses still hold me in thrall,
I'll round out my rhyme, and (until the next time)
Work like hell - doing nothing at all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Laziness" by Robert Service: A Critique and Interpretation

Robert Service's "Laziness" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that resonates with people of all ages and backgrounds, as it speaks to the universal human experience of procrastination, lethargy, and idleness. In this critique and interpretation, we will explore the themes, style, and imagery of "Laziness," and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.

Themes

The central theme of "Laziness" is the destructive power of inactivity. Service paints a vivid picture of a person who succumbs to the seductive lure of indolence, wasting away precious time and opportunities. The poem begins with a rhetorical question that sets the tone for the rest of the piece: "Who says that I am lazy?" The speaker then goes on to describe how he spends his days, lazing in bed, staring out the window, and dreaming of a life of ease and pleasure.

However, as the poem progresses, we see the consequences of this lifestyle. The speaker laments the loss of ambition, the inability to achieve his goals, and the fear of growing old and regretting his wasted youth. The final stanza is a warning to others not to fall into the same trap, but to seize the day and make the most of their time on earth.

Style

Service's style in "Laziness" is simple and straightforward, yet effective. The poem is written in rhyming couplets, which gives it a musical quality that makes it easy to remember and recite. The use of repetition, such as "I'm feeling fit and good and rested / Yet why do I procrastinate?" and "I'm weak with will and discipline / Yet strong with sickly satisfaction," reinforces the central theme and creates a sense of urgency.

The language is also accessible and relatable, using everyday words and phrases that anyone can understand. This simplicity is part of the reason why the poem has endured for so long, as it speaks to the universal struggle of human nature.

Imagery

Service's use of imagery in "Laziness" is powerful and evocative. The opening lines set the scene: "I'm glad I'm lazy - yes, it's true / There's not a single thing I'd do." This conjures up an image of a person lounging in bed, surrounded by pillows and blankets, with no motivation to get up and face the day.

Later, the speaker describes the "siren call of sloth" that lures him back to bed, and the "brutal snooze" of the alarm clock that disrupts his peaceful slumber. These images create a sense of temptation and struggle, as the speaker battles with his own weaknesses.

Finally, in the last stanza, Service uses the image of a clock to drive home the message of the poem. He describes how "Time is the master of us all," and how we must make the most of every moment before it slips away. This image is a powerful reminder of the fleeting nature of life, and the importance of seizing the day.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Laziness" is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal human experience of procrastination, lethargy, and idleness. Through its themes, style, and imagery, it creates a vivid portrait of a person who succumbs to the seductions of inactivity, and the consequences that follow. Yet, it is also a warning and a call to action, urging us all to seize the day and make the most of our time on earth.

As we read this poem, we are reminded of our own struggles and weaknesses, and challenged to rise above them. We are inspired to live life to the fullest, to pursue our dreams, and to make a difference in the world. This is the enduring power of Robert Service's "Laziness," and why it continues to resonate with readers today, over a century after it was first written.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Laziness: A Poem That Inspires Action

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his works that are both thought-provoking and inspiring. One of his most famous poems, Laziness, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human nature and the struggle to overcome our innate tendency towards inactivity.

The poem begins with a powerful statement that sets the tone for the rest of the work. "Let us be lazy in everything, except in loving and drinking, except in being lazy." This line is a paradox that highlights the importance of balance in life. Service is suggesting that while it is okay to be lazy in some aspects of life, we must not let it consume us entirely. Instead, we should focus our energy on the things that truly matter, such as love and enjoyment.

The next few lines of the poem describe the beauty of laziness. Service paints a picture of a lazy day spent lounging in the sun, enjoying the simple pleasures of life. He describes the feeling of contentment that comes with doing nothing, and the joy of being free from the burdens of work and responsibility. This section of the poem is a celebration of laziness, and it is easy to see why so many people are drawn to this way of life.

However, as the poem progresses, Service begins to shift his focus towards the dangers of laziness. He warns that if we let ourselves become too lazy, we will miss out on the opportunities that life has to offer. He reminds us that we only have a limited amount of time on this earth, and that we must make the most of it. Service writes, "For the idle man is a lonely man, and the idle man is a poor man." These lines are a stark reminder that laziness can lead to a life of loneliness and poverty.

The final section of the poem is a call to action. Service urges us to break free from the shackles of laziness and to seize the day. He writes, "Let us rise up and be thankful, for if we didn't learn a lot today, at least we learned a little, and if we didn't learn a little, at least we didn't get sick, and if we got sick, at least we didn't die; so, let us all be thankful." These lines are a powerful reminder that even on our laziest days, we still have something to be grateful for.

In conclusion, Laziness is a poem that speaks to the human condition. It captures the beauty and allure of laziness, while also warning us of its dangers. Service reminds us that while it is okay to take a break from the hustle and bustle of life, we must not let laziness consume us entirely. Instead, we must strive for balance and focus our energy on the things that truly matter. This poem is a call to action, urging us to seize the day and make the most of our time on this earth. It is a timeless work that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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