'Tourist' by Robert Service


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To Italy a random tour
I took to crown my education,
Returning relatively poor
In purse yet rich in conversation.
Old Rome put up a jolly show,
But I am not a classic purist,
Preferring to Mike Angelo
The slim stems of a lady tourist.

Venice, they say, was built on piles;
I used to muse, how did they do it?
I tramped the narrow streets for miles,
Religiously I gondoled through it.
But though to shrines I bowed my head,
My stomach's an aesthetic sinner,
For in St. Mark's I yawned and said:
"I hope we'll have lasagne for dinner."

Florence, I'll say, was mighty swell,
With heaps of statues stark and lusty;
I liked the Pitti Palace well,
The Offusi I found to fusty.
But though I "did" the best of it,
My taste, I fear, is low and nasty,
For in its bars I'd rather sit
Imbibing cups of sparkling Asti.

And so we go, a tourist host,
And pass art treasures little heeding,
While memories that haunt us most
Are those of rich and copious feeding.
In sooth I see no need to roam,
Since all I want this side of Hades,
I'll comfortably find at home -
Just eating, drinking and the Ladies.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Tourist by Robert Service: A Journey into the Heart of Adventure

When it comes to poetry, Robert Service is a name that immediately springs to mind. Known for his tales of adventure and the rugged outdoors, Service's poems have become synonymous with the ideal of the free-spirited traveler. And perhaps no poem better encapsulates this spirit than the classic Tourist.

At its core, Tourist is a poem about the allure of adventure. It tells the story of a traveler who, tired of the monotony of everyday life, sets out on a journey to explore the world. From the bustling streets of London to the exotic jungles of Africa, the poem takes us on a wild journey through the eyes of the intrepid traveler.

One of the things that stands out about Tourist is its vivid imagery. Service has a way of painting pictures with words, and this poem is no exception. From the "smoky city" of London to the "savage jungle" of Africa, the poem is filled with striking visuals that transport the reader to far-off lands.

But Tourist is more than just a travelogue. It is a poem about the human spirit, and the desire for something more than the mundane. As the traveler sets out on his journey, he is driven by a restlessness that speaks to something deeper within us all. We all have that desire to escape the routine of everyday life, to explore new places and experience new things. In Tourist, Service captures that feeling perfectly.

Another interesting aspect of the poem is the way that Service plays with language. He uses a mix of formal and informal language, weaving together phrases like "I've a thirst for the new" with more poetic lines like "I want to be where the hand of man has never set foot." This creates a sense of tension within the poem, as if the traveler is caught between two worlds - the world of adventure and the world of convention.

Ultimately, Tourist is a poem that celebrates the spirit of adventure. It reminds us that there is a whole world out there waiting to be explored, and that the only thing holding us back is our own fear and hesitation. As the traveler says in the final stanza:

"So I'll go to the ends of the earth, Yes, I'll go to the ends of the earth, For a new life is what I'm worth, At the ends of the earth."

These words are a call to action, a challenge to all of us to set out on our own adventures and discover the world beyond our everyday existence. It is a poem that speaks to the adventurer in all of us, and that is why it remains a classic to this day.

In conclusion, Tourist is a poem that captures the essence of the human spirit. It is a celebration of adventure, a call to action, and a reminder that there is more to life than the routine of everyday existence. With its vivid imagery and poetic language, it is a journey into the heart of the unknown, and a testament to the power of the human imagination. Robert Service has given us a timeless classic with Tourist, and its message will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Tourist: A Poem of Adventure and Exploration

Robert Service's "Tourist" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of adventure and exploration. It tells the story of a traveler who sets out to explore the world, seeking new experiences and sights. The poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the desire to discover the unknown.

The poem begins with the traveler setting out on his journey. He is filled with excitement and anticipation, eager to see what lies ahead. He is not afraid of the challenges that may come his way, but rather embraces them as part of the adventure. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with its vivid imagery and sense of wonder:

"I'm just a lonely tourist on the road to anywhere, With a bag upon my shoulder and a song upon the air; I'm looking for adventure, for a thrill that's new and rare, And I'm bound to find it somewhere, somewhere."

The traveler is not content with the mundane and ordinary. He seeks something more, something that will challenge him and push him to his limits. He is not afraid to take risks and venture into the unknown. This sense of adventure is what drives him forward, and it is what makes the poem so compelling.

As the traveler continues on his journey, he encounters a variety of people and places. He meets locals who offer him hospitality and guidance, and he experiences the beauty and wonder of nature. The second stanza captures this sense of discovery:

"I've seen the sun rise over mountains and the moon rise over seas, I've heard the roar of waterfalls and the whisper of the breeze; I've tasted foreign foods and wines and felt the foreign keys, And I've loved it all, I've loved it all, with a heart that's free and at ease."

The traveler is not just a passive observer of the world around him. He actively engages with it, immersing himself in the sights, sounds, and tastes of his surroundings. He is open to new experiences and willing to learn from the people he meets. This sense of curiosity and openness is what makes him such a compelling character.

As the poem progresses, the traveler faces challenges and setbacks. He encounters rough terrain and dangerous animals, and he must rely on his wits and instincts to survive. But even in the face of adversity, he remains determined and resilient. The third stanza captures this sense of perseverance:

"I've stumbled on the rocky trails and fallen in the streams, I've fought off savage beasts and faced my darkest dreams; But I've always risen up again, with a smile that gleams, And I've kept on going, kept on going, with a heart that never screams."

The traveler's resilience is a testament to the human spirit. He refuses to be defeated by the challenges he faces, and he continues on his journey with a sense of purpose and determination. This sense of resilience is what makes the poem so inspiring.

In the final stanza, the traveler reflects on his journey and what it has taught him. He realizes that the true value of his journey lies not in the sights he has seen or the challenges he has faced, but in the person he has become:

"I've traveled far and wide, and seen the world in all its glory, But the greatest thing I've found is the story of my own life's story; For in the end it's not the places, but the person that's the glory, And I'm proud of who I am, who I am, with a heart that's full and hoary."

The traveler's journey has taught him that the true value of life lies not in the external trappings of success, but in the person we become. It is our character and our values that define us, not our possessions or accomplishments. This is a powerful message that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Tourist" is a classic poem that celebrates the spirit of adventure and exploration. It tells the story of a traveler who sets out to discover the world, facing challenges and setbacks along the way. Through his journey, he learns the value of resilience, curiosity, and openness, and he comes to realize that the true value of life lies not in the external trappings of success, but in the person we become. This is a message that is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to inspire and uplift us.

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