'At Eighty Years' by Robert Service
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As nothingness draws near
How I can see
Inexorably clear
My vanity.
My sum of worthiness
Always so small,
Dwindles from less to less
To none at all.
As grisly destiny
Claims me at last,
How grievous seem to me
Sins of my past!
How keen a conscience edge
Can come to be!
How pitiless the dredge
Of memory!
Ye proud ones of the earth
Who count your gains,
What cherish you of worth
For all your pains?
E'er death shall slam the door,
Will you, like me,
Face fate and count the score--
FUTILITY.
Editor 1 Interpretation
At Eighty Years: A Reflection on Life and Ageing
Robert Service's "At Eighty Years" is a poignant reflection on the journey of life and the inevitability of ageing. Written in the first person voice of an elderly individual, the poem captures the fears, regrets, and joys of old age while also highlighting the resilience and wisdom that comes with experience.
As one reads through the poem, it is impossible not to be moved by the profound emotion and vivid imagery that Service employs. The poem is a powerful testament to the poet's skill in capturing the human experience and rendering it in a way that is both accessible and profound.
Tone and Mood
From the opening lines of the poem, the reader is immediately struck by the tone and mood of the piece. The first two lines set the somber mood of the poem:
My age, my beast, is there anyone who can say That he has found in a rowel'd thumb-nail a way
Here, the speaker refers to his age as a "beast," a metaphor that conveys a sense of dread and unease. The use of the word "rowel'd" in the second line is also significant, as it is a reference to the painful practice of using a thumbtack to create small holes in the skin to allow for the extraction of blood. This image suggests that ageing can be a painful and invasive process.
However, despite the somber tone of the poem, there are moments of lightness and humor that punctuate the darkness. For example, in the third stanza, the speaker says:
I'm deaf in one ear, my sight's none too good, My legs are as stiff as a stake; But still I'm as sound as a poplar tree, And I've got my dentures and cake.
Here, the speaker acknowledges the physical limitations of old age but also finds humor in the situation. The use of the simile "as sound as a poplar tree" underscores the speaker's resilience and vitality, while the final line about dentures and cake is both humorous and poignant.
Themes
The themes of ageing, mortality, and the passage of time are central to "At Eighty Years." Through the poem, Service explores the various aspects of ageing, such as physical decline, memory loss, and the fear of death.
In the second stanza, for example, the speaker laments the loss of his memory:
And oh, for my memory! The wonder of things Is fading away like a dream, And age with relentless fingers has plucked The flowers that in youth used to gleam.
Here, the speaker expresses a sense of loss and regret at the fading of his memory. The metaphor of ageing as "relentless fingers" is particularly effective in conveying the sense of helplessness that often accompanies the ageing process.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of legacy and the importance of leaving a mark on the world. In the fourth stanza, the speaker reflects on his life and wonders what he has left behind:
So what have I done that the world should mind, With its laughs and its lies and its tears? Well, I've written a score of love-lyrics, And a hundred or so of just tears.
Here, the speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving something behind. The use of the word "mind" in the first line is significant, as it suggests that the speaker wants to be remembered and valued by others.
Imagery
Service's use of vivid imagery is one of the most striking elements of the poem. The poet employs a range of metaphors, similes, and other literary devices to create a rich and evocative world.
One particularly memorable image is the metaphor of life as a ship sailing on a stormy sea. In the sixth stanza, the speaker says:
Life is a voyage that's homeward bound, Death is a hawser we throw, God is the tiller that guides us true, Joy is the gale we know.
Here, the speaker uses nautical imagery to convey the idea that life is a journey with a clear destination. The use of the metaphor "Death is a hawser we throw" is particularly effective in suggesting that death is not an end but rather a continuation of the journey.
Another striking image is the metaphor of ageing as a thief. In the seventh stanza, the speaker says:
But age is a thief in the night, my friend, And it's time for me to steal. So I'll slip away with a moonbeam's grace, And a heart that's beginning to feel.
Here, the use of the metaphor "age is a thief in the night" conveys the sense of loss and the fear of the unknown that often accompanies ageing. The image of slipping away with a moonbeam's grace is both beautiful and poignant, suggesting a sense of acceptance and peace.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "At Eighty Years" is a powerful reflection on the journey of life and the inevitability of ageing. Through the use of vivid imagery, poignant metaphors, and evocative language, the poet captures the fears, regrets, and joys of old age while also highlighting the resilience and wisdom that comes with experience.
While the poem is undeniably somber and reflective, there are also moments of lightness and humor that punctuate the darkness. Ultimately, the poem reminds us of the importance of living life to the fullest and leaving a mark on the world, even in the face of mortality and the passage of time.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
At Eighty Years: A Poem of Reflection and Celebration
Robert Service, the renowned poet and writer, has left us with a legacy of beautiful and thought-provoking poems. One of his most celebrated works is "At Eighty Years," a poem that captures the essence of life and the joys and sorrows that come with it. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this classic poem, exploring its themes, structure, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his life, stating that he has lived for eighty years and has seen many things. He acknowledges that life has not always been easy, but he has persevered through the challenges and has come out stronger. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of life and all that it entails.
The second stanza is a reflection on the passing of time. The speaker notes that time moves quickly and that life is fleeting. He compares life to a river that flows endlessly, and he acknowledges that he is nearing the end of his journey. However, he does not lament this fact but instead celebrates the time he has had and the memories he has made.
The third stanza is a tribute to the people who have been a part of the speaker's life. He acknowledges that he has loved and lost, but he cherishes the memories of those who have passed on. He also recognizes the importance of the people who are still in his life, stating that they bring him joy and comfort.
The fourth stanza is a reflection on the beauty of nature. The speaker marvels at the wonders of the world, from the mountains to the sea. He acknowledges that nature has a way of putting things in perspective and that it can bring peace and solace to those who seek it.
The fifth stanza is a celebration of the human spirit. The speaker acknowledges that life is not always easy, but he admires the resilience and strength of the human spirit. He recognizes that people have the ability to overcome adversity and to find joy and happiness in the midst of hardship.
The final stanza is a reflection on the speaker's own mortality. He acknowledges that he will soon pass on, but he is not afraid. He has lived a full life and has no regrets. He is at peace with himself and with the world.
The structure of the poem is simple but effective. Each stanza focuses on a different theme, but they are all interconnected. The poem flows smoothly from one stanza to the next, creating a sense of unity and coherence. The language is also simple but powerful. Service uses vivid imagery and metaphors to convey his message, and his words are imbued with emotion and depth.
"At Eighty Years" is a poem that speaks to the human experience. It is a celebration of life and all that it entails, from the joys to the sorrows. It is a reminder that time is fleeting and that we should cherish every moment. It is a tribute to the people who have been a part of our lives, and a recognition of the beauty of nature. It is a celebration of the human spirit and a reflection on our own mortality.
In conclusion, "At Eighty Years" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and to convey deep emotions and thoughts. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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