'The Centenarian' by Robert Service
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Great Grandfather was ninety-nine
And so it was our one dread,
That though his health was superfine
He'd fail to make the hundred.
Though he was not a rolling stone
No moss he seemed to gather:
A patriarch of brawn and bone
Was Great Grandfather.
He should have been senile and frail
Instead of hale and hearty;
But no, he loved a mug of ale,
A boisterous old party.
'As frisky as a cold,' said he,
'A man's allotted span
I've lived but now I plan to be
A Centenarian.'
Then one night when I called on him
Oh what a change I saw!
His head was bowed, his eye was dim,
Down-fallen was his jaw.
Said he: 'Leave me to die, I pray;
I'm no more bloody use . . .
For in my mouth I found today--
A tooth that's loose.'
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Centenarian by Robert Service: A Celebration of Longevity and Wisdom
As I read "The Centenarian" by Robert Service, I found myself transported to another time and place. The poem is a tribute to the oldest woman in Service's community, who lived to be a hundred years old. Her life is a testament to the power of endurance, resilience, and wisdom.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the old woman's appearance: "She clatters with a hundred bones, / And all her nerves are jangled tones; / She starts, she stops, and stumbles on, / And yet her heart is never gone." The use of sensory details and alliteration creates a vivid image of the old woman's physical and emotional state.
Service's choice of words and phrasing is remarkable. He uses language that is both poetic and plain, creating a unique style that captures the essence of the old woman's life. For example, he writes: "Her eyes, two twinkling dots of jet, / Survey a world she soon will quit; / And all her wit and all her charm / Are shrivelled like her withered arm." The use of metaphor and simile adds depth to the description of the old woman's personality and character.
The poem moves on to describe the old woman's memories and reflections on her life. She talks about the joys and sorrows of living for a hundred years. She speaks of the people she has known and loved, and the moments that have stayed with her. She shares her wisdom and her regrets, and her hopes for the future.
The poem's central theme is the celebration of longevity and wisdom. It honors the old woman's life and the lessons she has learned along the way. It acknowledges the hardships and challenges she has faced, and the resilience and strength she has shown in overcoming them.
The poem also touches on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. The old woman knows that her time is almost up, but she does not fear it. Instead, she embraces it as a natural part of the cycle of life and finds solace in the knowledge that she has lived a full and meaningful life.
As I read "The Centenarian," I couldn't help but wonder about the real-life inspiration behind the poem. Was there really a centenarian in Service's community, or was she a figment of his imagination? Did he know her personally, or was she just a passing acquaintance? These questions add a layer of intrigue to the poem and make it all the more fascinating to read.
In conclusion, "The Centenarian" by Robert Service is a beautiful and poignant tribute to the power of longevity and wisdom. With its vivid imagery, poetic language, and thoughtful reflections, it captures the essence of a life well-lived and celebrates the human spirit. As I finished reading the poem, I felt a sense of awe and reverence for the old woman who inspired it, and for all those who have lived long and wise lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Centenarian: A Poem of Life and Legacy
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating and thought-provoking works. One such masterpiece is his poem, The Centenarian, which is a beautiful ode to life and legacy. This poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of memory, and it has the ability to inspire and move readers even after a century of its creation.
The poem begins with the introduction of the centenarian, who has lived a long and fulfilling life. The poet describes the old man as having "eyes like a winter sea," which suggests that he has seen a lot in his life and has a depth of experience that is rare. The poet then goes on to describe the old man's physical appearance, which is frail and weak, but his spirit is still strong and vibrant.
The centenarian is a symbol of resilience and perseverance. He has lived through wars, famine, and disease, but he has managed to survive and thrive despite all the hardships. The poet describes him as having "a heart that's full of song," which shows that he has a positive outlook on life and is grateful for all the blessings he has received.
The poem then takes a turn as the centenarian starts to reminisce about his life. He talks about his youth, his loves, and his adventures. He remembers the people he has met and the places he has been. He talks about his family and friends who have passed away, but he still remembers them fondly. The poet captures the essence of memory and how it shapes our lives. The centenarian's memories are a testament to the fact that our experiences and relationships are what make us who we are.
The poem then shifts to the centenarian's legacy. He talks about the things he has accomplished in his life and the impact he has had on others. He talks about the children he has raised and the people he has helped. He talks about the lessons he has learned and the wisdom he has gained. The poet shows us that our legacy is not just about what we leave behind, but also about the lives we touch and the people we inspire.
The poem ends with the centenarian's acceptance of death. He knows that his time is coming to an end, but he is not afraid. He has lived a full life and is ready to move on. The poet captures the beauty of life and death and how they are intertwined. The centenarian's acceptance of death is a reminder that life is precious and we should cherish every moment we have.
In conclusion, The Centenarian is a timeless poem that celebrates the human spirit and the power of memory. It reminds us that life is a journey, and our experiences and relationships shape who we are. It also shows us that our legacy is not just about what we leave behind, but also about the lives we touch and the people we inspire. The poem is a beautiful tribute to life and death, and it has the ability to inspire and move readers even after a century of its creation.
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