'The Little Old Log Cabin' by Robert W. Service
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When a man gits on his uppers in a hard-pan sort of town,
An' he ain't got nothin' comin' an' he can't afford ter eat,
An' he's in a fix for lodgin' an' he wanders up an' down,
An' you'd fancy he'd been boozin', he's so locoed 'bout the feet;
When he's feelin' sneakin' sorry an' his belt is hangin' slack,
An' his face is peaked an' gray-like an' his heart gits down an' whines,
Then he's apt ter git a-thinkin' an' a-wishin' he was back
In the little ol' log cabin in the shadder of the pines.
When he's on the blazin' desert an' his canteen's sprung a leak,
An' he's all alone an' crazy an' he's crawlin' like a snail,
An' his tongue's so black an' swollen that it hurts him fer to speak,
An' he gouges down fer water an' the raven's on his trail;
When he's done with care and cursin' an' he feels more like to cry,
An' he sees ol' Death a-grinnin' an' he thinks upon his crimes,
Then he's like ter hev' a vision, as he settles down ter die,
Of the little ol' log cabin an' the roses an' the vines.
Oh, the little ol' log cabin, it's a solemn shinin' mark,
When a feller gits ter sinnin' an' a-goin' ter the wall,
An' folks don't understand him an' he's gropin' in the dark,
An' he's sick of bein' cursed at an' he's longin' fer his call!
When the sun of life's a-sinkin' you can see it 'way above,
On the hill from out the shadder in a glory 'gin the sky,
An' your mother's voice is callin', an' her arms are stretched in love,
An' somehow you're glad you're goin', an' you ain't a-scared to die;
When you'll be like a kid again an' nestle to her breast,
An' never leave its shelter, an' forget, an' love, an' rest.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Critique of Robert W. Service's "The Little Old Log Cabin"
As I read through Robert W. Service's "The Little Old Log Cabin," I couldn't help but be fascinated by the vivid imagery and powerful use of language. This classic poetry, which was written in 1907, tells the story of a little old log cabin that has seen better days. Despite its dilapidated state, the cabin has a rich history and holds many fond memories for the family who once lived there.
The Power of Imagery
One of the things that struck me about this poem was the powerful imagery that Service uses to bring the cabin to life. From the very first line, I could picture the old cabin in my mind:
"There's a little old log cabin in the woods somewhere With a door that swings on leather hinges, and work is scarce in there."
This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Service paints a vivid picture of the cabin's rustic charm and humble surroundings. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid descriptions and sensory details to create a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.
For example, in the second stanza, Service describes how the cabin's roof is covered in moss and how the chimney is in need of repair. He also mentions how the cabin's walls are covered in ivy and how the door is made of weathered wood. All of these details help to create a sense of the cabin's age and history.
The Importance of Memory and History
Another theme that runs throughout "The Little Old Log Cabin" is the importance of memory and history. Service uses the cabin as a metaphor for the memories and experiences of the family who once lived there. Just as the cabin is old and weathered, the memories of the family are faded and distant. However, they are still just as important and meaningful.
For example, in the third stanza, Service describes how the family used to gather around the fire and tell stories. He also mentions how they would play music and sing together. These memories are just as important to the family as the physical cabin itself.
In the fourth stanza, Service talks about how the family has moved on and how the cabin is now empty. However, he also mentions how the memories of the family still linger in the cabin:
"And though the family's scattered, and the cabin's old and bare, You can almost hear them talking as they used to do in there."
This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the memories of the family are still alive and well, even if the physical cabin is falling apart.
The Significance of the Cabin's Location
One aspect of "The Little Old Log Cabin" that I found particularly interesting was the cabin's location in the woods. Service describes how the cabin is surrounded by trees and how the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves can be heard through the cracks in the walls.
This setting adds to the overall sense of nostalgia and longing that permeates the poem. The cabin's isolation in the woods suggests that the family who once lived there were self-sufficient and lived off the land. It also suggests that they were able to find solace and comfort in their natural surroundings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Little Old Log Cabin" is a powerful and evocative poem that uses vivid imagery and powerful language to create a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. Service's use of metaphor and symbolism helps to convey the importance of memory and history, while the cabin's location in the woods adds to the overall sense of nostalgia and longing.
Overall, I found "The Little Old Log Cabin" to be a moving and thought-provoking piece of poetry. It is a testament to Robert W. Service's skill as a writer that a poem written over a century ago can still resonate with readers today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Little Old Log Cabin: A Classic Poem by Robert W. Service
If you're a fan of classic poetry, then you've probably heard of Robert W. Service. He was a Canadian poet and writer who became famous for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush. One of his most famous poems is "The Little Old Log Cabin," which tells the story of a humble cabin in the woods and the memories it holds.
The poem begins with a description of the cabin itself. It's a small, simple structure made of logs, with a thatched roof and a chimney made of sticks. The cabin is nestled in the woods, surrounded by trees and the sounds of nature. Service's description is so vivid that you can almost smell the woodsmoke and feel the warmth of the fire.
But the cabin is more than just a building. It's a symbol of a simpler time, when life was slower and people were more connected to nature. Service writes, "It's the jolly, cozy, old-time cabin, / The little old log cabin in the lane." The cabin represents a way of life that has been lost in modern times, a way of life that Service clearly values.
As the poem continues, Service tells us about the memories that the cabin holds. He writes, "It's the cabin that my daddy built / It's the cabin where we children played." The cabin is a place of family memories, a place where generations have come together to share laughter and love. Service's words are nostalgic and sentimental, reminding us of the importance of family and tradition.
But the poem isn't just about the past. Service also writes about the present, about the way the cabin still stands as a testament to the values of hard work and self-sufficiency. He writes, "It's the cabin where we all were born, / It's the cabin that will stand forlorn." The cabin may be old and weathered, but it's still standing strong, a testament to the resilience of the people who built it.
Service's poem is a celebration of the simple things in life, of the beauty of nature and the importance of family and tradition. It's a reminder that even in our fast-paced, modern world, there are still places where we can connect with our roots and find peace and contentment.
In conclusion, "The Little Old Log Cabin" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. Robert W. Service's vivid descriptions and sentimental tone make it a powerful tribute to a way of life that has been lost in modern times. If you haven't read this poem before, I highly recommend it. It's a beautiful reminder of the importance of family, tradition, and the simple things in life.
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