'Security' by Robert Service
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There once was a limpet puffed with pride
Who said to the ribald sea:
"It isn't I who cling to the rock,
It's the rock that clings to me;
It's the silly old rock who hugs me tight,
Because he loves me so;
And though I struggle with all my might,
He will not let me go."
Then said the sea, who hates the rock
That defies him night and day:
"You want to be free - well, leave it to me,
I'll help you get away.
I know such a beautiful silver beach,
Where blissfully you may bide;
Shove off to-night when the moon is bright,
And I'll swig you thee on my tide."
"I'd like to go," said the limpet low,
"But what's a silver beach?"
"It's sand," said the sea, "bright baby rock,
And you shall be lord of each."
"Righto!" said the limpet; "Life allures,
And a rover I would be."
So greatly bold she slacked her hold
And launched on the laughing sea.
But when she got to the gelid deep
Where the waters swish and swing,
She began to know with a sense of woe
That a limpet's lot is to cling.
but she couldn't cling to a jelly fish,
Or clutch at a wastrel weed,
So she raised a cry as the waves went by,
but the waves refused to heed.
Then when she came to the glaucous deep
Where the congers coil and leer,
The flesh in her shell began to creep,
And she shrank in utter fear.
It was good to reach that silver beach,
That gleamed in the morning light,
Where a shining band of the silver sand
Looked up with with a welcome bright.
Looked up with a smile that was full of guile,
Called up through the crystal blue:
"Each one of us is a baby rock,
And we want to cling to you."
Then the heart of the limpet leaped with joy,
For she hated the waters wide;
So down she sank to the sandy bank
That clung to her under-side.
That clung so close she couldn't breath,
So fierce she fought to be free;
But the silver sand couldn't understand,
While above her laughed the sea.
Then to each wave that wimpled past
She cried in her woe and pain:
"Oh take me back, let me rivet fast
To my steadfast rock again."
She cried till she roused a taxi-crab
Who gladly gave her a ride;
But I grieve to say in his crabby way
He insisted she sit inside. . . .
So if of the limpet breed ye be,
Beware life's brutal shock;
Don't take the chance of the changing sea,
But - cling like hell to your rock.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Security by Robert Service: A Deep Dive
Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were being hugged by the words on the page? That's the effect Robert Service's "Security" has on me every time I read it. It's a masterpiece of simplicity and depth, and in this literary criticism and interpretation, I plan to take you on a journey of discovery through this classic poem.
The Poem
First, let's take a look at the poem itself:
Dear! of all happy in the hour, most blest
He who has found our hid security,
Assured in the dark tides of the world that rest,
And heard our word, 'Who is so safe as we?'
We have found safety with all things undying,
The winds, and morning, tears of men and mirth,
The deep night, and birds singing, and clouds flying,
And sleep, and freedom, and the autumnal earth.
We have drunk deeply of the waters of life, and have found our cup full to overflowing in the simple beauty of the world around us. We have been reassured of our safety in the dark tides of the world, and have found our hidden security in the little things that make life worth living.
Form and Structure
One of the first things that stands out about "Security" is its form and structure. The poem is written in four stanzas of four lines each, with a regular ABAB rhyme scheme. This creates a sense of balance and harmony that reinforces the poem's message of security and reassurance.
Additionally, the poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four feet, and each foot consists of an unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable. This creates a rhythm that is both steady and soothing, like the beating of a heart.
Themes and Motifs
"Security" is a poem that is rich with themes and motifs, each of which contributes to its overall message of reassurance and safety.
One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of finding security in the natural world. Service uses a series of natural images to illustrate the idea that there is safety to be found in the world around us. The winds, morning, tears of men and mirth, deep night, birds singing, clouds flying, sleep, freedom, and the autumnal earth – all of these things are sources of security for the speaker.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of finding security in the intangible things in life – the things that cannot be taken away from us. These include freedom, sleep, and the autumnal earth. This theme is closely tied to the idea of finding security in the natural world, as these intangible things are all part of the natural world.
Finally, the poem also touches on the idea of finding security through connection with others. The speaker addresses the reader directly, referring to them as "Dear!" and using the word "our" to indicate a sense of shared security. This creates a feeling of community and shared experience that adds to the poem's overall sense of reassurance.
Interpretation and Analysis
One of the things that I love about "Security" is its ability to speak to the reader on a personal level. The poem invites the reader to find their own sources of security in the world around them. For me, the poem speaks to the idea of finding security in the little things in life – the things that are often overlooked, but that bring us so much joy and comfort.
The natural imagery in the poem is particularly powerful for me. The idea that the winds, morning, tears of men and mirth, deep night, birds singing, clouds flying, sleep, freedom, and the autumnal earth can all be sources of security is a reminder that we are never truly alone in the world. There is always something to turn to when we need comfort or reassurance.
Another aspect of the poem that I find particularly interesting is the use of the word "our". The speaker addresses the reader as a fellow seeker of security, creating a sense of solidarity and shared experience. This reinforces the idea that we are all in this together, and that finding security is something that we can all do.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "Security" is a masterpiece of simplicity and depth. The poem's form and structure contribute to its message of reassurance and safety, while its themes and motifs speak to the reader on a personal level. Whether you find your security in the natural world, in intangible things like freedom and sleep, or in connection with others, this poem reminds us that there is always something to turn to when we need comfort and reassurance. It's a reminder that, in a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain, we are never truly alone.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Security: A Poem by Robert Service
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has written many poems that have touched the hearts of millions of people around the world. One of his most famous poems is "Security," which is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the concept of safety and the human desire for it. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, literary devices, and overall message.
The poem "Security" is a short but impactful piece that consists of only four stanzas. The first stanza sets the tone for the entire poem, with the speaker expressing his desire for security. He says, "What do I care for love or money? / What do I care for land or sea? / The love of a girl, the love of a pony, / I am grown so wise that I am free." The speaker's words suggest that he has reached a point in his life where he no longer cares about material possessions or romantic relationships. Instead, he values security above all else.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the concept of fear. The speaker says, "All that I dread is the great gray sky / The gleam that comes from the glint of an eye, / The fluttering sound of a garment nigh, / Or the touch of a hand when I'm passing by." These lines suggest that the speaker is afraid of the unknown, of things that he cannot control. He is afraid of the sky, which represents the vastness of the world and the uncertainty of life. He is also afraid of other people, of their intentions and actions.
The third stanza of the poem introduces the idea of security as a false sense of comfort. The speaker says, "For I have found in my long years' roam / That peace and contentment are not at home, / That the jar of the road is the sweetest sound, / That the kiss of the wind is the surest bond." These lines suggest that the speaker has come to realize that security is not something that can be found in one place or thing. Instead, it is something that must be sought out and earned through experience and exploration. The speaker suggests that the journey itself is more important than the destination, and that true security comes from within.
The final stanza of the poem brings the themes of fear and security together. The speaker says, "So I'll watch the stars, and I'll listen well, / And I'll bravely scan the haggard sky, / And I'll pray withal that a comet's shell / May fall and crack my cranium. / Then let the stars wink out and die, / For I'll have found eternal security." These lines suggest that the speaker has come to accept the uncertainty of life and the inevitability of death. He is no longer afraid of the unknown, but instead embraces it as a part of the journey. He suggests that true security can only be found in death, where all fears and uncertainties are put to rest.
The poem "Security" is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the human desire for safety and the false sense of comfort that it provides. The speaker suggests that true security can only be found through experience and exploration, and that the journey itself is more important than the destination. He also suggests that death is the ultimate form of security, where all fears and uncertainties are put to rest.
The poem is filled with literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning. The use of repetition in the first stanza emphasizes the speaker's desire for security, while the use of imagery throughout the poem creates a vivid picture of the speaker's fears and desires. The use of rhyme and meter also adds to the poem's impact, creating a sense of rhythm and flow that draws the reader in.
In conclusion, "Security" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the human desire for safety and the false sense of comfort that it provides. The speaker suggests that true security can only be found through experience and exploration, and that the journey itself is more important than the destination. The poem is filled with literary devices that enhance its impact and meaning, making it a timeless piece that continues to resonate with readers today.
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