'Reptiles And Roses' by Robert Service

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So crystal clear it is to me
That when I die I cease to be,
All else seems sheer stupidity.

All promises of Paradise
Are wishful thinking, preacher's lies,
Dogmatic dust flung in our eyes.

Yea, life's immortal, swift it flows
Alike in reptile and in rose,
But as it comes, so too it goes.

Dead roses will not bloom again;
The lifeless lizard writhes in vain;
Cups shattered will not hold champagne.

Our breath is brief, and being so
Let's make our heaven here below,
And lavish kindness as we go.

For when dour Death shall close the door
There will be darkness evermore;
So let us kneel in prayer before

Each day and let our duty be
To fight that mankind may be free . . .
There is our Immortality.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Reptiles And Roses" by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

As I first read Robert Service's poem, "Reptiles And Roses", my mind couldn't help but be captured by the vivid imagery that the poet painted with such ease. The poem is a beautiful and complex piece that explores the contrast between the natural beauty of roses and the menacing presence of reptiles. It delves into the way that the two can coexist, in a way that is both harrowing and breathtaking.

The poem starts with Service painting a beautiful image of roses, which are often associated with love and beauty. He describes them as "fragrant blooms" and "roses red like drops of blood". The use of color in this description is interesting as it invokes a sense of passion, danger, and intensity. The roses are not just beautiful, they are also powerful and commanding, calling out to the reader in a way that is both alluring and foreboding.

The second part of the poem is where Service introduces the reptiles. These creatures are often associated with danger and fear, and Service does not shy away from this. He paints a picture of them as creatures that are "cold as death" and "quick to poison". The contrast between the roses and the reptiles is stark, yet the two are woven together in a way that is almost poetic.

The third and final part of the poem is where Service brings the two together. He describes the way that the reptiles and roses coexist, with the reptiles crawling alongside the roses, "sinuous, scaly things" that threaten to overpower the beautiful flowers. Yet, the roses do not falter, they stand strong, even in the shadow of danger.

As I read the poem, I couldn't help but feel that there was a deeper meaning behind the contrast between the roses and the reptiles. I wondered if the poem was a metaphor for the way that beauty and danger can coexist in our own lives. The roses could represent the beautiful moments that we experience, while the reptiles could represent the dangers that lurk around us, waiting to strike.

In this context, the poem takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes a reminder that even in the face of danger, we can find beauty and strength. The roses in the poem are not just beautiful, they are also strong, holding their own in the face of danger. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers, reminding us that we too can stand strong in the face of adversity.

The use of imagery and symbolism in the poem is also noteworthy. Service uses the roses and reptiles to create a visual image that is both striking and memorable. His use of color and description creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind, drawing them into the poem and allowing them to experience the contrast between beauty and danger.

The poem also has a distinct rhythm and flow to it, with Service using rhyme and repetition to create a sense of musicality. This adds to the beauty of the poem, creating a sonic landscape that is both pleasing to the ear and memorable.

Overall, "Reptiles And Roses" is a beautiful and complex poem that explores the contrast between beauty and danger. It is a reminder that even in the face of danger, we can find beauty and strength. Service's use of imagery and symbolism creates a vivid picture in the reader's mind, drawing them into the poem and allowing them to experience the contrast between the two. The poem's use of rhythm and flow adds to its beauty, creating a sonic landscape that is both memorable and pleasing to the ear.

In conclusion, "Reptiles And Roses" is a stunning piece of poetry, one that deserves to be read and appreciated for its beauty and depth. It is a reminder that even in the face of danger, we can find beauty and strength, and that our lives are a delicate balance between the two.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Reptiles And Roses: A Poem That Celebrates The Beauty Of Life

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his works that are both profound and entertaining. One of his most celebrated poems is "Reptiles and Roses," which is a beautiful ode to the beauty of life. In this poem, Service explores the contrast between the beauty of nature and the harsh realities of life. The poem is a perfect example of Service's unique style, which combines humor, wit, and wisdom to create a masterpiece that is both thought-provoking and entertaining.

The poem begins with the line, "There are days when the sun is hot and the air is still," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is describing a typical summer day, where the heat is oppressive, and there is no breeze to provide relief. However, despite the discomfort, the speaker finds beauty in the world around him. He sees "reptiles and roses" and marvels at their contrasting beauty.

The speaker's observation of the reptiles and roses is a metaphor for the beauty and ugliness of life. Reptiles are often associated with danger and fear, while roses are a symbol of love and beauty. The speaker is acknowledging that life is full of both good and bad, and that we must learn to appreciate both. He says, "For the reptiles will bite you and the roses will prick, and love will come and go like a thief in the night." This line is a reminder that life is unpredictable, and we must learn to accept the good with the bad.

The poem continues with the speaker describing the beauty of the roses. He says, "Their fragrance is sweet, and their petals are fair, and there's nothing on earth half so fine as a rose." The speaker is emphasizing the importance of appreciating the beauty in life, even when things are tough. He is reminding us that there is always something to be grateful for, even in the darkest of times.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as the speaker describes the reptiles. He says, "The reptiles are slimy and cold to the touch, and they crawl in the dust and the mire." The speaker is acknowledging the harsh realities of life, and the dangers that we must face. He is reminding us that life is not always easy, and that we must be prepared to face the challenges that come our way.

Despite the dangers of the reptiles, the speaker still finds beauty in them. He says, "But their eyes are as bright as the stars in the sky, and their scales are as green as the leaves on the trees." The speaker is reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found. He is encouraging us to look beyond the surface and find the beauty in everything.

The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that life is a journey, and that we must learn to appreciate every moment. He says, "So let us be grateful for reptiles and roses, for the sun and the rain and the wind that blows." The speaker is reminding us that life is a gift, and that we must cherish every moment. He is encouraging us to find joy in the simple things, and to appreciate the beauty of life.

In conclusion, "Reptiles and Roses" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the beauty of life. Robert Service has created a masterpiece that is both profound and entertaining. The poem is a reminder that life is full of both good and bad, and that we must learn to appreciate both. The speaker's observation of the reptiles and roses is a metaphor for the beauty and ugliness of life. The poem is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found. It is a call to appreciate the simple things in life and to find joy in every moment. "Reptiles and Roses" is a timeless poem that will continue to inspire and entertain readers for generations to come.

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