'Funk' by Robert Service


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When your marrer bone seems 'oller,
And you're glad you ain't no taller,
And you're all a-shakin' like you 'ad the chills;
When your skin creeps like a pullet's,
And you're duckin' all the bullets,
And you're green as gorgonzola round the gills;
When your legs seem made of jelly,
And you're squeamish in the belly,
And you want to turn about and do a bunk:
For Gawd's sake, kid, don't show it!
Don't let your mateys know it --
You're just sufferin' from funk, funk, funk.

Of course there's no denyin'
That it ain't so easy tryin'
To grin and grip your rifle by the butt,
When the 'ole world rips asunder,
And you sees yer pal go under,
As a bunch of shrapnel sprays 'im on the nut;
I admit it's 'ard contrivin'
When you 'ears the shells arrivin',
To discover you're a bloomin' bit o' spunk;
But, my lad, you've got to do it,
And your God will see you through it,
For wot 'E 'ates is funk, funk, funk.

So stand up, son; look gritty,
And just 'um a lively ditty,
And only be afraid to be afraid;
Just 'old yer rifle steady,
And 'ave yer bay'nit ready,
For that's the way good soldier-men is made.
And if you 'as to die,
As it sometimes 'appens, why,
Far better die a 'ero than a skunk;
A-doin' of yer bit,
And so -- to 'ell with it,
There ain't no bloomin' funk, funk, funk.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Funk by Robert Service: An Analysis and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that will take you on a journey of self-discovery and self-realization? Look no further than Robert Service's classic poem, "Funk." With its simple yet powerful language, evocative imagery, and deeply personal themes, "Funk" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of fear and self-doubt.

The Poem

"FunK" is a short poem consisting of only six stanzas, each containing four lines. Despite its brevity, however, the poem packs a punch with its raw emotional honesty and vivid descriptions. The poem's speaker is someone who is struggling with a feeling of "funk," or a sense of deep, paralyzing fear and self-doubt. Throughout the poem, the speaker describes the physical and emotional sensations of this funk, as well as the ways in which he tries to cope with it.

The Themes

One of the most striking themes of "Funk" is that of fear and self-doubt. The poem's speaker is deeply afraid of something, although he never explicitly states what that something is. He describes feeling "cold and gray and drear" and "sick with dread and fear." These are visceral, physical emotions that many of us have experienced at some point in our lives. The poem's use of concrete, sensory language helps to convey the intensity of these emotions and make them feel more relatable.

Another important theme of "Funk" is that of coping mechanisms. The speaker tries a number of different strategies to deal with his funk, from drinking to smoking to trying to force himself to be happy. However, none of these strategies seem to work, and the speaker ultimately realizes that he must face his fear head-on. This is a powerful message for anyone who has ever struggled with anxiety or other mental health issues. It reminds us that avoidance and distraction may provide temporary relief, but they will not ultimately solve our problems.

The Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Funk" is its use of vivid, evocative imagery. The poem's descriptions of the speaker's physical and emotional sensations are so vivid that they almost feel like they are happening to the reader. For example, the stanza that reads, "My throat is tight and choked with tears, / My heart is bursting at my breast; / My thoughts are clanging like hot spears. / Why cannot I find rest?" is particularly powerful. The image of "thoughts clanging like hot spears" is particularly evocative, conveying the sense of frenzied, chaotic thinking that often accompanies anxiety and fear.

The Language

Robert Service's language in "Funk" is simple and straightforward, yet incredibly effective. He uses short, punchy sentences and vivid adjectives to convey the intensity of the speaker's emotions. The use of rhyme and repetition also helps to create a sense of rhythm and momentum, which adds to the poem's overall impact. The poem's language is accessible and easy to understand, which makes it all the more powerful.

The Interpretation

So what can we take away from "Funk"? Ultimately, the poem is a powerful reminder of the fact that fear and self-doubt are universal human experiences. No matter who we are or what we do, we will all feel afraid and uncertain at some point in our lives. However, the poem also reminds us that we have the power to overcome these feelings. We may not be able to control the external events that cause us fear, but we can control how we respond to them. By facing our fears head-on, we can ultimately find a sense of peace and clarity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Funk" is a powerful poem that speaks to the universal human experience of fear and self-doubt. Through its vivid imagery, simple yet effective language, and raw emotional honesty, the poem reminds us that we all struggle at times, but that we also have the power to overcome our struggles. Whether you are feeling anxious or uncertain about your own life, or simply looking for a powerful piece of literature to inspire you, "Funk" is a poem that should not be missed. So go ahead, read it, and see where it takes you.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Funk: A Poem That Celebrates the Joy of Life

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his unique style of writing. His poems are known for their vivid imagery, humor, and a deep understanding of human emotions. One such poem that stands out is "Funk." This poem is a celebration of life and the joy that comes with it. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem "Funk" is a short, four-stanza poem that captures the essence of life. The poem begins with the line, "Oh, I wish I was a punk rocker with flowers in my hair." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a line that expresses the desire to be free, to be oneself, and to enjoy life to the fullest. The line is also a reference to the hippie movement of the 1960s, which was all about peace, love, and freedom.

The first stanza of the poem talks about the feeling of being in a funk. The speaker says that he is feeling low and that he doesn't know why. He says that he is "down in the dumps" and that he can't seem to shake off the feeling. This feeling of being in a funk is something that everyone can relate to. We all have days when we feel low, and we don't know why. The speaker's honesty and vulnerability in expressing his feelings make the poem relatable.

The second stanza of the poem talks about the things that the speaker wishes he could do. He wishes he could dance, sing, and play the guitar. These are all things that bring joy and happiness to people's lives. The speaker's desire to do these things shows that he wants to break free from the feeling of being in a funk. He wants to do things that make him happy and bring him out of his low mood.

The third stanza of the poem talks about the things that the speaker is grateful for. He says that he is grateful for the sun, the moon, and the stars. These are all things that are beyond our control, but they bring us joy and happiness. The speaker's gratitude for these things shows that he is aware of the beauty of life and that he appreciates it.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem is a celebration of life. The speaker says that life is a "wonderful thing" and that we should enjoy it while we can. He says that life is short and that we should make the most of it. The speaker's words are a reminder that life is precious and that we should cherish every moment.

In conclusion, "Funk" is a poem that celebrates the joy of life. It is a poem that reminds us that we all have days when we feel low, but we should not let that feeling consume us. We should do things that make us happy and appreciate the beauty of life. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of it. Robert Service's "Funk" is a timeless poem that will continue to inspire and uplift people for generations to come.

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