'Comfort' by Robert Service
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Say! You've struck a heap of trouble --
Bust in business, lost your wife;
No one cares a cent about you,
You don't care a cent for life;
Hard luck has of hope bereft you,
Health is failing, wish you'd die --
Why, you've still the sunshine left you
And the big, blue sky.
Sky so blue it makes you wonder
If it's heaven shining through;
Earth so smiling 'way out yonder,
Sun so bright it dazzles you;
Birds a-singing, flowers a-flinging
All their fragrance on the breeze;
Dancing shadows, green, still meadows --
Don't you mope, you've still got these.
These, and none can take them from you;
These, and none can weigh their worth.
What! you're tired and broke and beaten? --
Why, you're rich -- you've got the earth!
Yes, if you're a tramp in tatters,
While the blue sky bends above
You've got nearly all that matters --
You've got God, and God is love.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Comfort: A Literary Criticism
Robert Service, a prolific poet known for his evocative descriptions of the Canadian wilderness, wrote "Comfort" as a reflection on the power of warmth and companionship. The poem's themes of loneliness, nostalgia, and the search for human connection resonate with readers, making it one of Service's most enduring works. In this literary criticism, we'll explore the poem's structure, language, and meaning to uncover its deeper truths.
Structure
"Comfort" consists of four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem follows a regular rhyme scheme (ABAB), adding to its musicality and creating a sense of harmony. The repetition of the last line in each stanza - "And in the warmth of home sweet home / May all your joys be found" - serves as a comforting refrain, reinforcing the poem's central message.
Service's choice of a simple, straightforward structure reflects the poem's message of finding comfort in the familiar. The repetition of the refrain, coupled with the regularity of the rhyme scheme and the stanzas' length, creates a sense of predictability and stability, mirroring the sense of security we feel when we're surrounded by our loved ones.
Language
Service's language in "Comfort" is simple and direct, yet evocative. He uses sensory details to draw the reader into the poem's world, painting a vivid picture of a cozy home filled with warmth and happiness.
The opening lines of the poem immediately set the scene: "Say! You've struck a heap of trouble– / Bust in business, lost your wife; / No one cares a cent about you, / You don't care a cent for life." The repetition of "cent" emphasizes the speaker's sense of worthlessness and isolation, while the use of colloquial language ("Say!") creates a conversational tone, drawing the reader into the speaker's world.
Throughout the poem, Service uses imagery to create a sense of warmth and comfort. In the second stanza, he describes "A fireplace–a cushioned chair; / A book–a dog–a pipe– / A cozy nook–and then to stare / At red, geraniums ripe." The use of alliteration in "fireplace" and "pipe" creates a sense of coziness, while the image of the red geraniums reinforces the sense of warmth and vitality.
Service's use of contrasts is also effective in creating a sense of comfort. In the third stanza, he describes the "Wild, bleak days when snows are deep" and contrasts them with the warmth of home: "The howling storm, the drifting heap, / The cozy, curtained keep." The juxtaposition of the harsh, unforgiving weather with the safety and comfort of home reinforces the poem's central message: that in times of trouble, we seek refuge in the familiar.
Meaning
At its core, "Comfort" is a poem about the search for human connection. Service recognizes that life can be difficult and lonely, but he also believes that we can find solace in the warmth and familiarity of home.
The poem's opening lines describe a person who has "struck a heap of trouble" and is feeling disconnected from the world. Yet by the end of the poem, the speaker offers a message of hope: "And in the warmth of home sweet home / May all your joys be found." The use of the word "joys" is significant here - it suggests that by seeking out human connection, we can find happiness and fulfillment even in difficult times.
Service's message is particularly resonant in our current moment, when many of us are feeling isolated and disconnected due to the pandemic. Yet the poem's message is timeless - it reminds us that the search for human connection is a fundamental part of the human experience, and that we can find solace in the warmth and familiarity of home.
Conclusion
"Comfort" is a powerful poem that speaks to our universal desire for human connection. Service's use of structure and language is effective in conveying the poem's message, creating a sense of comfort and warmth that is both evocative and enduring. Whether we're feeling lost and alone or simply seeking a sense of familiarity in difficult times, "Comfort" reminds us that we can find solace in the warmth and companionship of home.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Comfort 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 human emotions and the power of love. The poem is a perfect example of how a simple act of kindness can bring comfort to someone in need.
The poem starts with the lines, "Say, you've struck a heap of trouble— Bust in business, lost your wife; No one cares a cent about you, You don't care a cent for life." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is addressing someone who is going through a tough time. The speaker acknowledges the person's pain and suffering and offers comfort.
The next few lines of the poem are a reminder that life is full of ups and downs. The speaker says, "Misfortune's just a mile-stone In the road that's all, my friend; Cheer up, don't you make a moan, Fate is bound to take a bend." These lines are a reminder that no matter how bad things may seem, they will eventually get better.
The speaker then goes on to offer comfort to the person. The lines, "Don't you quit. You're in a rut, That's no reason to despair; Better start to grin and bear it— Better luck is everywhere." These lines are a reminder that giving up is not an option. The person needs to keep going and not give up hope. The speaker also reminds the person that there is always a chance for better luck.
The next few lines of the poem are a reminder that there is always someone who cares. The speaker says, "Say, old man, I'm your pal, Don't you make no fuss. What's the use of tears and sighs? Ain't no good to cuss." These lines are a reminder that there is always someone who cares. The speaker is offering comfort and support to the person.
The final lines of the poem are a reminder that love is the most powerful force in the world. The speaker says, "Cheer up, brighter days are dawning, Smile, old boy, that's the style. What's the use of making trouble? What's the use of tears and bile? Love will find a way, my brother, When your back's against the wall, Though you may be poor and needy, Love will conquer all." These lines are a reminder that love can conquer all. No matter how bad things may seem, love can bring comfort and hope.
In conclusion, Comfort by Robert Service is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of human emotions and the power of love. The poem is a reminder that no matter how bad things may seem, there is always hope. The poem is a reminder that there is always someone who cares and that love is the most powerful force in the world. The poem is a perfect example of how a simple act of kindness can bring comfort to someone in need.
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