'Forward' by Robert Service
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I've tinkered at my bits of rhymes
In weary, woeful, waiting times;
In doleful hours of battle-din,
Ere yet they brought the wounded in;
Through vigils of the fateful night,
In lousy barns by candle-light;
In dug-outs, sagging and aflood,
On stretchers stiff and bleared with blood;
By ragged grove, by ruined road,
By hearths accurst where Love abode;
By broken altars, blackened shrines
I've tinkered at my bits of rhymes.
I've solaced me with scraps of song
The desolated ways along:
Through sickly fields all shrapnel-sown,
And meadows reaped by death alone;
By blazing cross and splintered spire,
By headless Virgin in the mire;
By gardens gashed amid their bloom,
By gutted grave, by shattered tomb;
Beside the dying and the dead,
Where rocket green and rocket red,
In trembling pools of poising light,
With flowers of flame festoon the night.
Ah me! by what dark ways of wrong
I've cheered my heart with scraps of song.
So here's my sheaf of war-won verse,
And some is bad, and some is worse.
And if at times I curse a bit,
You needn't read that part of it;
For through it all like horror runs
The red resentment of the guns.
And you yourself would mutter when
You took the things that once were men,
And sped them through that zone of hate
To where the dripping surgeons wait;
And wonder too if in God's sight
War ever, ever can be right.
Yet may it not be, crime and war
But effort misdirected are?
And if there's good in war and crime,
There may be in my bits of rhyme,
My songs from out the slaughter mill:
So take or leave them as you will.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Forward by Robert Service: A Journey of Hope and Perseverance
Are you tired of feeling stuck in life? Do you ever wish you had the courage to leave your comfort zone and chase your dreams? If so, then Robert Service's poem "Forward" is a must-read for you. This classic piece of literature tells the story of a man who, despite facing numerous obstacles, never gives up on his quest for a better life. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will take a closer look at the themes, symbols, and imagery in "Forward" and explore how they contribute to the poem's overall message of hope and perseverance.
Overview of the Poem
"Forward" is a poem that follows the journey of a man who is determined to make a better life for himself. The narrator begins by describing the man's humble beginnings, working long hours in a factory to make ends meet. Despite his difficult circumstances, the man never loses sight of his dreams and eventually sets out on a journey to a new land where he hopes to find success and happiness. Along the way, he faces numerous challenges, including cold weather, hunger, and loneliness. However, he perseveres through these difficulties, always looking forward and never giving up.
Themes
One of the main themes in "Forward" is the idea that perseverance can lead to success. The man in the poem faces numerous obstacles on his journey, but he never gives up. Instead, he continues to push forward, always looking for a way to overcome his challenges. This theme is reinforced by the repetition of the word "forward" throughout the poem, which serves as a reminder to the reader that success is only possible if we keep moving forward.
Another important theme in "Forward" is the idea that change is possible if we are willing to take a risk. The man in the poem could have easily stayed in his comfortable, but unsatisfying, life working in a factory. However, he chose to take a risk and set out on a journey to a new land where he hoped to find success and happiness. This theme is reinforced by the imagery in the poem, which portrays the man's journey as a physical journey through harsh terrain. The difficult journey serves as a metaphor for the risks we must take in order to achieve our goals.
Symbols
One of the most powerful symbols in "Forward" is the image of the man's footprints in the snow. The footprints serve as a visual representation of the man's journey, and also symbolize the idea that we must leave a mark on the world in order to achieve our goals. The footprints also serve as a reminder that the man is not alone on his journey. Even though he is physically alone, his footprints serve as a reminder that he is leaving a trail behind him, and that others may follow in his footsteps.
Another important symbol in "Forward" is the image of the northern lights. The northern lights are a natural phenomenon that occur in the polar regions, and have long been associated with magic and mystery. In the context of the poem, the northern lights serve as a symbol of hope and inspiration. They are a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and wonder in the world.
Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Forward" is the vivid imagery used throughout the poem. From the snowy landscape to the shimmering northern lights, Service paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and harsh. The imagery serves to reinforce the themes and symbols in the poem, and also helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.
For example, the image of the "pale gleam of the winter moon" in the first stanza creates a sense of coldness and isolation, which is further reinforced by the description of the "frosty breath" and the "icy lane." This imagery serves to emphasize the man's difficult journey, and also creates a sense of anticipation for the reader.
Later in the poem, the image of the "flame of the north" serves as a powerful contrast to the cold and darkness of the surrounding landscape. The northern lights are described as "streaming banners of light," which creates a sense of movement and energy. This imagery serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty and wonder in the world.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "Forward" is a powerful reminder that success is only possible if we are willing to take risks and persevere through challenges. The themes, symbols, and imagery in the poem all contribute to this message, creating a vivid and inspiring portrait of a man who never gives up on his dreams. Whether you are facing difficulties in your own life, or simply looking for inspiration, "Forward" is a poem that is sure to uplift and inspire. So go ahead, take a risk, and remember to always keep moving forward.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Forward by Robert Service: A Poem of Inspiration and Perseverance
Robert Service, a renowned poet and writer, is known for his works that capture the essence of human emotions and experiences. His poem Forward is a classic example of his ability to inspire and motivate readers with his words. In this 32-line poem, Service urges us to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and overall message of Forward.
The poem begins with the line, "Let us forgive a moment's play." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Service acknowledges that life can be tough, and sometimes we need a break from the hardships we face. However, he quickly reminds us that we cannot let these moments of play distract us from our goals. We must keep moving forward.
The next few lines of the poem describe the challenges we face in life. Service writes, "What is life? A gulf of tears, / A day of hope, a night of fears." These lines capture the essence of the human experience. Life is full of ups and downs, and we must learn to navigate through them. Service reminds us that we cannot let our fears hold us back. We must keep moving forward.
The poem then takes a turn towards hope and perseverance. Service writes, "A ruthless journey from the womb, / A ruthless journey to the tomb." These lines remind us that life is a journey, and we must be prepared to face whatever comes our way. Service urges us to keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
The next few lines of the poem are perhaps the most inspiring. Service writes, "But in the darkest, dreariest mile, / There is a guiding star, a smile." These lines remind us that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is always hope. We must keep our eyes on the guiding star, the light that will lead us out of the darkness. We must keep moving forward.
Service then goes on to describe the rewards of perseverance. He writes, "And though the goal we never gain, / The thought of it is sweet like rain." These lines remind us that the journey itself is often more important than the destination. We may never reach our ultimate goal, but the journey will be worth it. The thought of what we could achieve is enough to keep us going. We must keep moving forward.
The poem ends with a call to action. Service writes, "So let us strive with hand and heart, / And never falter, never part." These lines urge us to take action, to strive towards our goals with all our might. We must never falter, never give up. We must keep moving forward.
Throughout the poem, Service uses a variety of literary devices to convey his message. He uses metaphors to describe life as a "gulf of tears" and a "ruthless journey." He uses imagery to describe the guiding star and the thought of achieving our goals. He uses repetition to emphasize the importance of moving forward.
The overall message of Forward is one of inspiration and perseverance. Service reminds us that life is full of challenges, but we must keep moving forward. We must never give up, even in the darkest moments. The journey itself is often more important than the destination. We must strive towards our goals with all our might, and never falter.
In conclusion, Forward by Robert Service is a classic poem that inspires and motivates readers to keep moving forward. Service's use of literary devices and powerful imagery captures the essence of the human experience. The poem's message of perseverance and determination is one that we can all take to heart. We must keep moving forward, no matter how difficult the journey may seem.
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