'Contentment' by Robert Service
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An Ancient gaffer once I knew,
Who puffed a pipe and tossed a tankard;
He claimed a hundred years or two,
And for a dozen more he hankered;
So o'er a pint I asked how he
Had kept his timbers tight together;
He grinned and answered: "It maun be
Because I likes all kinds o' weather.
"Fore every morn when I get up
I lights my clay pipe wi' a cinder,
And as me mug o' tea I sup
I looks from out the cottage winder;
And if it's shade or if it's shine
Or wind or snow befit to freeze me,
I always say: 'Well, now that's fine . . .
It's just the sorto' day to please me.'
"For I have found it wise in life
To take the luck the way it's coming;
A wake, a worry or a wife -
Just carry on and keep a-humming.
And so I lights me pipe o' clay,
And through the morn on blizzard borders,
I chuckle in me guts and say:
'It's just the day the doctor orders.'"
A mighty good philosophy
Thought I, and leads to longer living,
To make the best of things that be,
And take the weather of God's giving;
So though the sky be ashen grey,
And winds be edged and sleet be slanting,
Heap faggots on the fire and say:
"It's just the kind of day I'm wanting."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Contentment by Robert Service: A Poem of Inner Peace
Are you looking for a poem that will make you feel contented and peaceful? Look no further than Robert Service's "Contentment," a short but powerful piece that celebrates the joys of a simple life.
The Poem
The poem begins with the speaker describing a "cottage small" that he calls home. He tells us that he doesn't have much in the way of material possessions, but he has all he needs to be content. He has a "happy heart," a "mind at ease," and a "soul serene."
He goes on to describe his surroundings, painting a picture of a peaceful countryside full of "rosy apples on the tree" and "grapes upon the vine." He tells us that he has "no want for wealth or fame," and that he's happy just living a quiet life.
The poem ends with the speaker declaring that he has found true contentment in his simple life, and that he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Analysis
At first glance, "Contentment" might seem like a straightforward poem about the joys of a simple life. But as we take a closer look, we can see that there's more to this poem than meets the eye.
One of the most interesting things about "Contentment" is the way that Service uses imagery to paint a picture of the speaker's surroundings. We can practically see the "cottage small" and the "rosy apples on the tree" that he describes. This helps to create a sense of coziness and warmth that makes the reader feel at ease.
But there's more to this imagery than just creating a pleasant environment. The speaker's surroundings also serve as a metaphor for his inner state. Just as the apples on the tree are ripe and ready for harvest, the speaker's heart and soul are also full and content. And just as the grapes on the vine are intertwined and connected, the speaker is connected to his surroundings and to the people in his life.
Another interesting aspect of "Contentment" is the way that it contrasts with some of Service's other work. Service was known for his adventurous poems about brave explorers and daring adventurers, but "Contentment" is a far cry from those stories of danger and excitement. Instead, it celebrates a quiet, simple life full of peace and contentment.
But just because "Contentment" is a more peaceful poem than some of Service's other work doesn't mean that it lacks depth or complexity. In fact, the poem is full of subtle insights into the human condition.
One of the most powerful lines in the poem is when the speaker says that he has "no want for wealth or fame." This line is significant because it suggests that true contentment comes not from external success, but from internal peace. The speaker has found happiness by embracing a life of simplicity and humility, rather than striving for wealth and power.
Another interesting aspect of "Contentment" is the way that it shows the speaker's relationship with nature. The speaker is surrounded by the natural world, and he finds joy in the simple pleasures of life, like the "rosy apples on the tree" and the "cool of evening." This suggests that there's something inherently healing and restorative about nature, and that we can find contentment by connecting with the natural world around us.
Interpretation
So what can we take away from "Contentment"? First and foremost, the poem is a celebration of the joys of a simple life. It reminds us that we don't need material possessions or external success to be happy.
But beyond that, "Contentment" is also a reminder to slow down and appreciate the small things in life. We live in a world that's often fast-paced and stressful, and it's easy to get caught up in the rat race of modern life. But as the speaker of the poem reminds us, there's something deeply satisfying about slowing down and embracing a life of simplicity.
Finally, "Contentment" is a reminder that true happiness comes not from external success, but from inner peace. The speaker has found contentment by embracing a life of humility and simplicity, and by connecting with the natural world around him. This suggests that the key to happiness is not striving for wealth and power, but finding peace within ourselves and our surroundings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service's "Contentment" is a powerful poem that celebrates the joys of a simple life. Through its vivid imagery and subtle insights, the poem reminds us to slow down and appreciate the small things in life, and to find happiness by embracing a life of simplicity and inner peace. Whether you're feeling stressed and overwhelmed or simply looking for a moment of quiet reflection, "Contentment" is a poem that's sure to leave you feeling calm, peaceful, and content.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Contentment: A Poem of Life's Simple Pleasures
Robert Service's poem, Contentment, is a beautiful ode to the joys of living a simple life. In just a few short stanzas, Service captures the essence of what it means to be truly content with one's lot in life. The poem is a reminder that happiness is not found in material possessions or worldly success, but in the small, everyday pleasures that make life worth living.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene of idyllic beauty: "Peace, peace, I clamour for quietness./ Contentment is a grace divine." The speaker is yearning for a sense of peace and tranquillity, a respite from the chaos and noise of the world. He longs for contentment, which he sees as a divine gift, something to be cherished and treasured.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to describe the simple pleasures that bring him contentment. He speaks of "the murmur of a brook that springs/ From mossy banks and flows along," and the "fragrance of the woodland flowers." These are the small, everyday things that bring joy and happiness to the speaker's life. They are not grand or extravagant, but they are precious nonetheless.
The speaker goes on to describe other sources of contentment, such as "the rustling of the leaves at night" and "the song of birds at break of day." These are the sounds of nature, the gentle rhythms of the world around us. They are a reminder that we are not alone, that we are part of something greater than ourselves.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, reminding us that our time on this earth is fleeting. The speaker speaks of "the sunset's glow that fades so fast," and "the moon that wanes and disappears." These are reminders that life is short, and that we should cherish every moment we have.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker declares that he is content with his lot in life, that he does not need wealth or fame to be happy. He says, "I have enough, and I am glad./ With little I am well content." This is a powerful statement, a reminder that true happiness comes from within, not from external sources.
In conclusion, Robert Service's poem, Contentment, is a beautiful tribute to the joys of living a simple life. It reminds us that happiness is not found in material possessions or worldly success, but in the small, everyday pleasures that make life worth living. The poem is a reminder to slow down, to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and to be grateful for what we have. It is a powerful message, one that is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written.
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