'L'Envoi' by Robert Service


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Only a rhymer, so I am,
Lone in the market place;
I shrink, and no one cares a damn
Though tears corrode my face.
The hollows of my cheeks they track,
Symbolic of vain hope;
My hands are grimed because I lack
The price of soap.

Only a rhymer! How my breeks
Let in the Winter wind;
One of my shoes obscenely leaks,
My coat is safety pinned.
Although my neb drips bead on bead,
No handkerchief have I;
My lips are blue, but none have heed
My songs to buy.

Only a rhymer,--just a chiel
Spewed from the land of Burns,
A wastrel and a ne'er-do-weel,
From whom the public turns.
Alas! It is to late to mend
The error of my ways,
So I will jingle to the end
Of all my days.

Editor 1 Interpretation

L'Envoi: A Masterpiece of Versification and Poignancy

The world of poetry is full of surprises. You never know what to expect from a new poem, how it will affect you, what emotions it will stir up in your soul. But once in a while, you come across a poem that transcends the usual boundaries of poetry, a poem that speaks to you on a deeper level, that touches your heart and mind in ways that you never thought possible. Such a poem is Robert Service's L'Envoi, a masterpiece of versification and poignancy that leaves a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.

The Poem's Structure and Form

The first thing that strikes you about L'Envoi is its structure and form. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows an AABB rhyme scheme. The lines are short and crisp, and the rhythm is fast-paced, giving the poem a sense of urgency and intensity. But what is most remarkable about the poem's structure is its brevity. In just sixteen lines, Service manages to convey a message that is at once profound and moving.

The Poem's Theme

The theme of L'Envoi is one of mortality and the fleeting nature of life. The poem is essentially a meditation on death and the legacy we leave behind. Service urges us to seize the day and make the most of our time on earth, for we never know when our time will come. He reminds us that even the great and powerful are not immune from death's embrace:

"And all the while the weaver Time/Will ply his weaving seamless rhyme/And Death will cut the cosmic twine/And close the scissors grim."

This stanza speaks to the inevitability of death and the fact that all things must come to an end. But it also reminds us that our actions in life have a lasting impact on the world around us. What we do while we are alive echoes through the ages, shaping the future and inspiring others to greatness.

The Poem's Tone and Mood

The tone and mood of L'Envoi are reflective and contemplative. Service's words are tinged with a sense of melancholy, as if he is mourning the passing of time and the loss of those who have gone before us. But there is also a sense of hopefulness and optimism in the poem, as if Service is urging us to make the most of our brief time on earth and to leave a positive legacy behind us.

The Poem's Use of Imagery and Metaphor

L'Envoi is replete with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors that bring the poem's themes to life. Service compares life to a "thread of gold", a fragile and precious thing that can be easily broken. He uses the metaphor of a weaver to personify time, as if time itself is a living thing that shapes our lives and destinies. The image of Death as a grim reaper, cutting the "cosmic twine" with his "scissors grim", is both eerie and symbolic, reminding us that death is an ever-present reality that we must all face.

The Poem's Use of Allusion

Service makes use of allusion throughout L'Envoi, drawing on a variety of literary and cultural references to enrich the poem's meaning. The line "And all the while the weaver Time/Will ply his weaving seamless rhyme" is a clear reference to Shakespeare's Sonnet 19, in which the poet speaks of Time as a "wearying hours hath made himself the heir/Of all my griefs". By invoking this famous line, Service is linking his own poem to a rich tradition of literary works that explore the theme of time and mortality.

The Poem's Literary Significance

L'Envoi is a poem of great literary significance, not only because of its powerful themes and vivid imagery, but also because of its place in the canon of English literature. Robert Service was one of the most popular poets of his time, and his works were read and enjoyed by millions of people around the world. L'Envoi is one of his most enduring and beloved works, a testament to the enduring power of poetry to move and inspire us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, L'Envoi is a masterpiece of versification and poignancy that speaks to the very heart of the human experience. Robert Service's powerful words and vivid imagery remind us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making the most of our time on earth. The poem's brevity and intensity make it a timeless classic, a work of art that will continue to move and inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

L'Envoi: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

If you are a lover of poetry, then you must have come across the classic poem L'Envoi by Robert Service. This poem is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, and it continues to inspire and captivate readers even today. In this article, we will take a closer look at L'Envoi and analyze its meaning, themes, and literary devices.

Background Information

Robert Service was a Scottish poet and writer who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Canadian North, which he wrote while working as a bank clerk in the Yukon. Service's poems are characterized by their vivid imagery, humor, and simplicity. L'Envoi is one of his most famous poems, and it was first published in 1907 in his book, The Spell of the Yukon.

Summary of L'Envoi

L'Envoi is a short poem that consists of six stanzas. The poem is written in the form of a farewell message or a parting shot. In the first stanza, the speaker addresses the reader and bids them farewell. He tells the reader that he is leaving and that he hopes they will remember him. In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on his life and the experiences he has had. He talks about the joys and sorrows of life and how they have shaped him.

In the third stanza, the speaker talks about the beauty of nature and how it has inspired him. He describes the mountains, the rivers, and the forests, and how they have filled him with wonder and awe. In the fourth stanza, the speaker talks about the people he has met and the friendships he has made. He reflects on the kindness and generosity of others and how they have enriched his life.

In the fifth stanza, the speaker talks about the power of love and how it has sustained him. He reflects on the love he has received from others and how it has given him strength and courage. In the final stanza, the speaker bids the reader farewell once again and tells them to remember him and the lessons he has learned.

Themes in L'Envoi

L'Envoi is a poem that explores several themes, including the transience of life, the beauty of nature, the importance of human relationships, and the power of love. The poem is a reflection on the speaker's life and the experiences he has had. It is a reminder that life is short and that we should cherish every moment.

The poem also celebrates the beauty of nature and the wonders of the natural world. The speaker describes the mountains, the rivers, and the forests, and how they have filled him with wonder and awe. He reminds us that we should take the time to appreciate the beauty around us and to be grateful for the gifts of nature.

Another important theme in the poem is the importance of human relationships. The speaker reflects on the people he has met and the friendships he has made. He talks about the kindness and generosity of others and how they have enriched his life. The poem is a reminder that we should value our relationships with others and that they are an important source of support and comfort.

Finally, the poem celebrates the power of love. The speaker reflects on the love he has received from others and how it has given him strength and courage. He reminds us that love is a powerful force that can sustain us through the challenges of life.

Literary Devices in L'Envoi

L'Envoi is a poem that makes use of several literary devices to create a powerful and memorable effect. One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of imagery. The speaker describes the mountains, the rivers, and the forests in vivid detail, creating a rich and evocative picture of the natural world.

Another important literary device in the poem is its use of repetition. The phrase "Remember me" is repeated several times throughout the poem, creating a sense of urgency and importance. The repetition also serves to reinforce the theme of the transience of life and the importance of remembering those who have passed.

The poem also makes use of metaphor and symbolism. The mountains, rivers, and forests are all used as symbols of the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The speaker's reflections on his life and experiences are also metaphorical, representing the journey of life and the lessons we learn along the way.

Conclusion

L'Envoi is a classic poem that continues to inspire and captivate readers today. It is a reflection on the transience of life, the beauty of nature, the importance of human relationships, and the power of love. The poem makes use of several literary devices, including imagery, repetition, metaphor, and symbolism, to create a powerful and memorable effect. If you haven't read L'Envoi yet, I highly recommend that you do. It is a true masterpiece of poetry that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

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