'My Neighbors' by Robert Service
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To rest my fagged brain now and then,
When wearied of my proper labors,
I lay aside my lagging pen
And get to thinking on my neighbors;
For, oh, around my garret den
There's woe and poverty a-plenty,
And life's so interesting when
A lad is only two-and-twenty.
Now, there's that artist gaunt and wan,
A little card his door adorning;
It reads: "Je ne suis pour personne",
A very frank and fitting warning.
I fear he's in a sorry plight;
He starves, I think, too proud to borrow,
I hear him moaning every night:
Maybe they'll find him dead to-morrow.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Neighbors by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Service's "My Neighbors" is a delightful poem that explores the ups and downs of living next to a group of people. The poem is written in Service's signature style, which is characterized by its simplicity and directness. The poem is composed of four stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the speaker's relationship with his neighbors.
Stanza One: The Joys of Living Next to Good Neighbors
The first stanza of "My Neighbors" is a paean to the joys of living next to good neighbors. The speaker describes his neighbors as "the finest folks you'd ever meet," and goes on to list the many ways in which they enrich his life. He mentions their "roses red and sweet," their "chickens and their cows," and their "cheerful banter" that "made me feel at ease."
The tone of this stanza is warm and affectionate. The speaker clearly enjoys living next to his neighbors, and his gratitude is palpable. He revels in the simple pleasures of life, such as the smell of roses and the sound of cows mooing. The stanza is full of sensory details that help to bring the scene to life, such as the "whistle of the kettle" and the "scent of gingerbread."
Stanza Two: The Irritations of Living Next to Noisy Neighbors
The second stanza of "My Neighbors" takes a different tone. Here, the speaker describes the irritations of living next to noisy neighbors. He mentions their "barking dog," their "yelling kids," and their "rock and roll." He laments that he can't "get no peace at all" and that he's "about to lose my mind."
The change in tone between the first and second stanzas is striking. Whereas the first stanza was full of warmth and affection, the second is full of frustration and annoyance. The speaker's use of the phrase "about to lose my mind" suggests that the noise is really getting to him. This stanza raises an interesting question: how much noise is too much? When do good neighbors become bad neighbors?
Stanza Three: The Frustrations of Living Next to Messy Neighbors
The third stanza of "My Neighbors" continues the theme of frustration. Here, the speaker describes the frustrations of living next to messy neighbors. He mentions their "weeds and brambles," their "lawn uncut," and their "garbage piled high." He laments that "it seems that they don't care" and that their messiness is "bringing down the neighborhood."
This stanza is interesting because it raises the question of how much responsibility we have to our neighbors. Is it enough to simply not bother them, or do we have a duty to actively maintain our property in a way that is pleasing to them? The speaker clearly thinks that the latter is true, but his neighbors don't seem to agree. This creates a tension that runs through the poem: how do we balance our own desires and needs with those of our neighbors?
Stanza Four: The Irony of Living Next to People You Don't Know
The final stanza of "My Neighbors" is a bit of a twist. Here, the speaker reveals that he doesn't actually know his neighbors at all. He admits that he's never even spoken to them, and that all of his feelings about them are based on what he sees and hears from his own yard. He concludes that "there's a lesson here to learn" and that "we shouldn't judge too soon."
This stanza is interesting because it raises the question of how well we really know our neighbors. We may see them every day, but do we truly understand who they are and what they're going through? The speaker's admission that he doesn't even know his neighbors at all is a powerful reminder that we should be cautious about making assumptions and judgments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "My Neighbors" is a charming poem that explores the complexities of living next to other people. The poem moves through different moods and tones, from warmth and affection to frustration and annoyance. Ultimately, the poem reminds us that we should be cautious about making assumptions about our neighbors and that we should strive to understand them better. This is a lesson that is as relevant today as it was when Service wrote the poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
My Neighbors: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of your neighbors' homes? Do you ever find yourself curious about the lives of those who live next door or across the street? If so, then Robert Service's classic poem, "My Neighbors," is a must-read for you.
First published in 1916, "My Neighbors" is a poem that explores the lives of those who live in a small town. Service, who was known for his ability to capture the essence of everyday life in his poetry, does not disappoint with this piece. In just a few short stanzas, he manages to paint a vivid picture of the people who make up this community.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his neighbors as "a queer lot." He goes on to say that they are "a motley crew" and that "you never know what they'll do." This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is filled with colorful descriptions of the various characters who live in this town.
One of the most interesting characters in the poem is Old Man Jack. According to the speaker, Jack is "a crusty old cuss" who "never has a good word for us." Despite his gruff exterior, however, Jack is a skilled carpenter who is always willing to lend a hand when someone needs it. The speaker notes that Jack "can make a chair or a table or bed" and that "he's never too busy to help out a friend."
Another character who stands out in the poem is Mrs. McFee. According to the speaker, Mrs. McFee is "a little old lady" who "lives all alone." Despite her solitary existence, Mrs. McFee is known for her kindness and generosity. The speaker notes that she "makes the best pies and cakes in the town" and that "she's always ready to share them around."
The poem also introduces us to a number of other characters, including the town drunk, the local doctor, and the schoolteacher. Each of these characters is described in detail, with the speaker providing insights into their personalities and quirks.
One of the things that makes "My Neighbors" such a compelling poem is the way that Service manages to capture the essence of small-town life. He paints a picture of a community where everyone knows everyone else's business, where people are quick to lend a hand when someone is in need, and where even the most eccentric characters are accepted and valued.
At the same time, however, the poem also highlights some of the challenges that come with living in a small town. The speaker notes that "there's always some gossip going round" and that "you can't keep a secret in this town." He also acknowledges that "sometimes we get on each other's nerves" and that "there's always someone who's hard to please."
Despite these challenges, however, the poem ultimately celebrates the sense of community that exists in this town. The speaker notes that "we all stick together, through thick and thin" and that "we're all part of the same family, in a way." This sense of belonging is what makes small-town life so special, and it is what Service captures so beautifully in this poem.
In terms of its structure, "My Neighbors" is a simple poem that consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that is both charming and effective. Service's use of language is also noteworthy, with the poem filled with colorful descriptions and vivid imagery.
Overall, "My Neighbors" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. It captures the essence of small-town life in a way that is both charming and insightful, and it celebrates the sense of community that exists in these close-knit communities. If you have ever wondered what goes on behind the closed doors of your neighbors' homes, then this poem is a must-read. It will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the people who make up your own community, and it will remind you of the importance of coming together and supporting one another, no matter what challenges may arise.
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