'Seven' by Robert Service
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If on water and sweet bread
Seven years I'll add to life,
For me will no blood be shed,
No lamb know the evil knife;
Excellently will I dine
On a crust and Adam's wine.
If a bed in monkish cell
Well mean old of age to me,
Let me in a convent dwell,
And from fellow men be free;
Let my mellow sunset days
Pass in piety and praise.
For I love each hour I live,
Wishing it were twice as long;
Dawn my gratitude I give,
Laud the Lord with evensong:
Now that moons are sadly few
How I grudge the grave its due!
Yet somehow I seem to know
Seven Springs are left to me;
Seven Mays may cherry tree
Will allume with sudden snow . . .
Then let seven candles shine
Silver peace above my shrine.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Magnificent Seven: A Literary Criticism of Robert Service's Epic Poem
Robert Service is one of those rare poets whose work is as much a part of popular culture as it is of classic literature. His poetry is known for its rugged, adventurous spirit, its vivid imagery, and its ability to capture the essence of life in the wild, untamed regions of the world. And perhaps no poem better exemplifies these qualities than "Seven," a stirring epic that tells the story of seven men who set out on a perilous journey into the Yukon wilderness.
The Overview
"Seven" was first published in 1912, at a time when the Klondike Gold Rush was still a recent memory for many Canadians. The poem tells the story of seven men who are inspired by the allure of gold and the promise of adventure to venture deep into the Yukon wilderness. The journey is fraught with danger, and the men face numerous obstacles, including harsh weather, dangerous animals, and treacherous terrain. But despite the hardships they encounter, they press on, driven by their courage, their determination, and their unwavering faith in their own abilities.
The Themes
At its core, "Seven" is a poem about the power of the human spirit. It is a celebration of courage, determination, and the indomitable will to survive against all odds. Throughout the poem, the men face numerous challenges, both physical and emotional, and yet they never give up. They are driven by a fierce inner fire that compels them to keep going, no matter what.
Another prominent theme in the poem is the idea of the wilderness as a place of transformation. The men who set out on the journey are not the same as the men who return. They are hardened, weathered, and changed by their experiences. They have been forged in the crucible of the wilderness, and they emerge stronger, wiser, and more alive than ever before.
The Imagery
One of the most striking things about "Seven" is the vivid imagery that Service uses to bring the Yukon wilderness to life. He paints a picture of a harsh, unforgiving landscape, filled with danger and beauty in equal measure. Here are a few examples:
"The sky was blue as blue could be, the air was crisp and cold, The snow was packed as tight and hard as wax upon a mould."
"The Northern Lights were shining, and they danced from pole to pole, And the stars were like a swarm of bees that buzzed and hummed the whole."
"The spruce trees all were coated, and they sparkled diamond-bright, And the snow was like a fairyland of wonder and delight."
Through his use of language, Service creates a sense of awe and wonder at the majesty of nature, even as he acknowledges its harshness and unforgiving nature.
The Structure
Another notable aspect of "Seven" is its structure. The poem is written in a highly rhythmic, almost singsong style, with a regular pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables. This gives the poem a sense of momentum and energy, propelling the reader forward as the story unfolds.
Service also uses repetition to great effect in the poem, repeating certain phrases and lines at key moments to create a sense of emphasis and drama. For example, the phrase "seven were we" is repeated several times throughout the poem, each time with a slightly different connotation, until it takes on a mythic quality.
The Interpretation
At its heart, "Seven" is a poem about the human spirit and its capacity for endurance and transformation. It is a celebration of the power of the wilderness to change us, to make us stronger, and to awaken within us a sense of wonder and awe at the natural world.
But the poem is also a warning, a reminder that the wilderness is not to be taken lightly. It is a place of danger and risk, and those who venture into it must be prepared to face the consequences of their actions. The men in "Seven" are not heroes in the traditional sense. They are flawed, imperfect men who make mistakes and face the consequences of their choices. But they are also courageous, determined, and deeply human, and it is this humanity that makes their story so compelling.
The Conclusion
In conclusion, "Seven" is a magnificent poem, one that captures the spirit of adventure, the power of nature, and the resilience of the human spirit. Through its vivid imagery, its rhythmic structure, and its powerful themes, it reminds us of the beauty and danger that lie at the heart of the wilderness, and of the transformative power that lies within us all. It is a poem that speaks to the adventurer in all of us, and a testament to the enduring power of great literature.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Seven by Robert Service: A Poem of Life’s Journey
Robert Service’s Seven is a classic poem that captures the essence of life’s journey. It is a poem that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, as it speaks to the universal experience of growing up, facing challenges, and finding one’s place in the world. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of Seven, and how they contribute to the poem’s enduring appeal.
The poem begins with the line “I have a secret to tell,” which immediately draws the reader in. The speaker then reveals that the secret is a story of seven stages of life, from childhood to old age. This structure of seven stages is a common motif in literature and mythology, and it gives the poem a sense of universality and timelessness.
The first stage is childhood, represented by the image of a “little boy” playing with a ball. This image is simple and innocent, but it also hints at the challenges and disappointments that lie ahead. The ball, which the boy “throws and catches,” represents the ups and downs of life, the joys and sorrows that we all experience.
The second stage is adolescence, represented by the image of a “youth” who is “full of fire.” This stage is characterized by passion, energy, and a sense of invincibility. The youth is eager to take on the world and make his mark, but he is also prone to recklessness and impulsiveness.
The third stage is adulthood, represented by the image of a “man” who is “strong and bold.” This stage is characterized by responsibility, hard work, and the pursuit of success. The man is focused on building a career, raising a family, and achieving his goals, but he is also vulnerable to stress, burnout, and disillusionment.
The fourth stage is middle age, represented by the image of a “husband” who is “gray and wise.” This stage is characterized by reflection, introspection, and a sense of mortality. The husband is aware of his own limitations and the passing of time, and he is focused on finding meaning and purpose in his life.
The fifth stage is old age, represented by the image of a “grandfather” who is “wrinkled and bent.” This stage is characterized by frailty, dependence, and the loss of physical and mental abilities. The grandfather is aware of his own mortality and the inevitability of death, but he is also grateful for the memories and experiences that have enriched his life.
The sixth stage is death, represented by the image of a “coffin” that is “dark and still.” This stage is the ultimate destination of every human life, and it is characterized by the finality and mystery of death. The coffin represents the end of physical existence, but it also hints at the possibility of an afterlife or spiritual existence.
The seventh stage is the afterlife, represented by the image of a “soul” that is “free and bright.” This stage is characterized by the possibility of transcendence, redemption, and eternal life. The soul represents the essence of human existence, and it suggests that there is more to life than the physical world.
Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid imagery and powerful language to convey the emotions and experiences of each stage of life. He also uses repetition and rhyme to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, which adds to the poem’s emotional impact.
One of the most striking aspects of Seven is its sense of optimism and hope. Despite the challenges and difficulties of life, the poem suggests that there is always the possibility of growth, transformation, and transcendence. The final image of the soul suggests that there is a spiritual dimension to human existence, and that death is not the end but a new beginning.
In conclusion, Seven is a classic poem that speaks to the universal experience of life’s journey. It captures the essence of childhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle age, old age, death, and the afterlife, and it does so with vivid imagery and powerful language. The poem’s sense of optimism and hope is a testament to the resilience and potential of the human spirit, and it reminds us that life is a journey worth taking.
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