'Euthansia' by Robert Service
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A sea-gull with a broken wing,
I found upon the kelp-strewn shore.
It sprawled and gasped; I sighed: "Poor thing!
I fear your flying days are o'er;
Sad victim of a savage gun,
So ends your soaring in the sun."
I only wanted to be kind;
Its icy legs I gently caught,
Thinking its fracture I might bind,
But fiercely in its fear it fought;
Till guessing that I meant no ill,
It glared and gaped, but lay quite still.
I took it home and gave it food,
And nursed its wing day after day.
Alas for my solicitude,
It would not eat, but pined away.
And so at last with tender hands
I took it to its native sands.
"I'll leave it where its kindred are,"
I thought, "And maybe they will cheer
And comfort it": I watched afar,
I saw them wheeling swiftly near. . . .
Awhile they hovered overhead,
Then darted down and - stabbed it dead.
When agonized is human breath,
And there's of living not a chance,
Could it not be that gentle death
Might mean divine deliverance?
Might it not seep into our skulls
To be as merciful as gulls?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Euthanasia - A Masterpiece by Robert Service
As I read and re-read Robert Service's poem Euthanasia, I am transported to a world that is both beautiful and haunting. The poem is a masterpiece in its own right, with its vivid imagery, powerful language, and thought-provoking ideas that leave a lasting impact on the reader's mind.
At the heart of the poem is the theme of death and how we deal with it. Service explores the idea of euthanasia, a controversial topic even today, in a way that is both moving and profound.
The poem begins with a description of a beautiful, serene landscape – "a valley of sweet grass and flowers". It is a place of peace and tranquility, where one can forget the worries of the world and bask in the beauty of nature. But this idyllic setting is soon disrupted by the arrival of a man on horseback, carrying a sick and dying horse.
The scene that follows is both poignant and heart-wrenching. The man tries to comfort his dying horse, speaking to it in gentle tones and stroking its mane. He knows that the end is near, and he wonders whether he should put the horse out of its misery.
Service captures the sense of desperation and helplessness that the man feels in the face of death. He writes, "What could he do? 'Twas a friend of his, sick and spent and old; / Never a horse like him had he, never a love so bold." The man is torn between his love for the horse and his desire to end its suffering.
As the poem progresses, Service delves deeper into the idea of euthanasia and its moral implications. He asks the question that has puzzled philosophers and ethicists for centuries – is it right to end a life that is suffering and in pain?
The man in the poem grapples with this question as he watches his horse struggle to breathe. He wonders whether it would be kinder to put the horse out of its misery or to let it die a natural death.
Service's language in these passages is powerful and evocative. He writes, "He felt as a murderer feels, fingered the pistol grip, / Aimed it straight at the faithful eye that begged him to let it rip." The man's anguish and sense of betrayal are palpable in these lines.
As the poem reaches its climax, the man makes a decision – to end the horse's suffering once and for all. He raises the gun to the horse's head and pulls the trigger.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most moving of all. Service writes, "He buried him there in the valley of sweet grass and flowers, / Where the sun shines and the waters run, and the birds sing in the bowers." The man has given his horse the gift of a peaceful death, and in doing so, he has found a measure of peace himself.
What makes Euthanasia such a powerful poem is the way that it forces the reader to confront their own feelings about death and dying. Service does not offer any easy answers or moral judgments – he simply presents the scene and lets the reader draw their own conclusions.
The poem raises important questions about the nature of compassion, love, and the human condition. It forces us to confront our own mortality and to consider how we would want to be treated if we were in the horse's position.
In conclusion, Euthanasia is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be studied and appreciated by all who love great literature. Robert Service's powerful language, vivid imagery, and thought-provoking ideas make this a poem that will stay with you long after you have put it down.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Euthanasia: A Poem of Life and Death
Robert Service, the famous poet, has left us with a legacy of beautiful and thought-provoking poems. One of his most famous works is Euthanasia, a poem that explores the complex themes of life and death, love and loss, and the human condition. In this analysis, we will delve into the meaning and symbolism of this classic poem, and explore why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with a vivid description of a beautiful summer day, with the sun shining and the birds singing. The speaker, who is not identified, is walking through a field of wildflowers, enjoying the beauty of nature. However, this idyllic scene is soon interrupted by the sight of a dying horse, lying in the grass. The speaker is struck by the animal's suffering, and wonders if it would be kinder to end its life.
This opening stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a meditation on the nature of life and death. The horse, which is described as "gaunt and grim", represents the fragility of life, and the inevitability of death. The speaker's dilemma, whether to let the horse suffer or to end its life, is a reflection of the difficult choices we all face when confronted with the reality of mortality.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the character of the horse's owner, a man who is described as "old and grey". The speaker observes the man as he approaches the dying animal, and notes the sadness in his eyes. The man is clearly attached to the horse, and the speaker wonders if he will be able to make the difficult decision to end its suffering.
This stanza highlights the theme of love and loss, and the bond that can exist between humans and animals. The old man's attachment to the horse is a reminder that life is not just about survival, but also about the relationships we form with others. The speaker's observation of the man's sadness also suggests that death is not just a physical event, but an emotional one as well.
In the third stanza, the speaker describes the old man's decision to end the horse's suffering. He takes out a gun and shoots the animal, putting it out of its misery. The speaker notes that the man's hand is steady, despite his sadness, and that he is able to carry out the act with a sense of purpose.
This stanza is a powerful depiction of euthanasia, the act of ending a life in order to relieve suffering. The old man's decision to end the horse's life is a reflection of his compassion and his willingness to take responsibility for the animal's well-being. The speaker's observation of the man's steady hand suggests that euthanasia is not an easy decision, but one that requires courage and conviction.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the nature of death. The speaker notes that the horse's suffering is over, and that it has been released from the pain of its existence. He also observes that death is a natural part of life, and that it is something that we all must face eventually.
This stanza is a reminder that death is not something to be feared, but rather a natural part of the cycle of life. The speaker's observation that the horse's suffering is over suggests that death can be a release from the pain and suffering of life. This is a comforting thought, and one that can help us to come to terms with our own mortality.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the beauty of life. The speaker notes that despite the horse's suffering and death, the world around him is still full of beauty and wonder. He observes the wildflowers in the field, and notes that they are still blooming, despite the death of the horse.
This stanza is a reminder that life is precious, and that even in the face of death, there is still beauty and joy to be found in the world. The wildflowers in the field represent the resilience of life, and the ability of nature to renew itself. This is a hopeful message, and one that can help us to find meaning and purpose in our own lives.
In conclusion, Euthanasia is a powerful poem that explores the complex themes of life and death, love and loss, and the human condition. Through its vivid imagery and poignant observations, it reminds us of the fragility of life, the importance of compassion, and the beauty of the world around us. Robert Service has left us with a timeless work of art, one that continues to resonate with readers today, and will continue to do so for generations to come.
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