'Old Tom' by Robert Service
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The harridan who holds the inn
At which I toss a pot,
Is old and uglier than sin,--
I'm glad she knows me not.
Indeed, for me it's hard to think,
Although my pow's like snow,
She was the lass so fresh and pink
I courted long ago.
I wronged her, yet it's sadly true
She wanted to be wronged:
They mostly do, although 'tis you,
The male bloke who is thonged.
Well, anyway I left her then
To sail across the sea,
And no doubt she had other men,
And soon lost sight of me.
So now she is a paunchy dame
And mistress of the inn,
With temper tart and tounge to blame,
Moustache and triple chin.
And though I have no proper home
Contentedly I purr,
And from my whiskers wipe the foam,
--Glad I did not wed her.
Yet it's so funny sitting here
To stare into her face;
And as I raise my mug of beer
I dream of our disgrace.
And so I come and come each day
To more and more enjoy
The joke--that fifty years away
I was her honey boy.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Old Tom: An Appreciation of Robert Service's Masterpiece
Old Tom, written by Robert Service, is a classic poem that has captured the hearts of many readers over the years. It is a compelling work of art that combines vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and emotional depth to tell the story of an aging sailor who has lived a life full of adventures and hardships.
As I read this poem, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the way Service has crafted each line and stanza. From the opening lines, "Old Tom had lived a sailor's life / For seventy years or more, / And now he thought of his own home / And all that lay before," to the closing lines, "For Old Tom had found his rest at last, / And he died with a smile on his face," the poem takes the reader on a journey through the life of a man who has seen it all and is now ready to face his final voyage.
The poem is full of rich and vivid descriptions that bring the scenes to life before our eyes. We can almost feel the salty spray of the sea on our faces as Service describes "The wind that blew a gale, / The waves that tossed the ship about, / And the ropes that creaked and wailed." The images are so powerful and evocative that we can almost smell the saltwater and feel the sting of the wind.
Service's use of language is also masterful. He employs a range of poetic techniques to give the poem its distinctive rhythm and sound. The use of alliteration, assonance, and rhyme create a musical quality that is both pleasing to the ear and helps to convey the emotions of the poem. For example, in the lines, "He'd seen the sea in all its moods, / From calm to raging storm," the repetition of the "s" sound creates a soothing, lulling effect that underscores the contrast between the calm and stormy seas.
The poem is also notable for its emotional depth. Old Tom is a character who has lived a life full of adventure and hardship, and as he reflects on his life, we can see the pain, regret, and longing that he feels. He thinks of his home and loved ones, and we can feel his yearning to be with them once again. Yet, at the same time, he is also at peace with himself and his life. He has made his peace with his mistakes and is content to face his final journey with a smile on his face.
One of the things that I find particularly striking about this poem is the way that it speaks to the human condition. Old Tom is a character who has lived a long and eventful life, but in many ways, he is like all of us. He has experienced joy and sorrow, love and loss, and has had to make difficult choices and live with their consequences. In this sense, the poem is not just about Old Tom, but about all of us and the journey that we are all taking through life.
Another aspect of the poem that I appreciate is its universal appeal. Although it is set in the context of a sailor's life, the themes and emotions that it explores are universal and can be understood by anyone. Whether we are sailors or not, we all have dreams and aspirations, and we all have to confront the inevitability of our own mortality. The poem speaks to these universal themes and reminds us of our common humanity.
In conclusion, Old Tom is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a testament to the power of language and the human spirit, and a reminder of the universality of the human experience. Through vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and emotional depth, Robert Service has created a work of art that speaks to us all and reminds us of the beauty and fragility of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Old Tom: A Poem of Endurance and Resilience
Robert Service’s Old Tom is a classic poem that tells the story of a sled dog’s journey through the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Yukon. The poem is a testament to the endurance and resilience of the human spirit, as well as the loyalty and strength of man’s best friend. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem, and how they contribute to its overall message.
The poem begins with the introduction of Old Tom, a sled dog who has been through many trials and tribulations. He is described as “scarred and old and cunning,” and his eyes are “deep and dark and brooding.” This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that Old Tom has seen and experienced much in his life. The fact that he is still alive and kicking is a testament to his strength and resilience.
The first stanza of the poem describes the harsh conditions of the Yukon, with its “frosty air” and “icy blast.” This sets the scene for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the environment in which Old Tom must survive. The second stanza introduces the other sled dogs, who are described as “wild and wolfish” and “savage as the pack.” This imagery suggests that the other dogs are not to be trusted, and that Old Tom must rely on his own wits and strength to survive.
The third stanza introduces the sled driver, who is described as “grim and gaunt and gray.” This imagery suggests that the driver is a man who has also been through much in his life, and that he is not to be trifled with. The fact that he is able to control the sled dogs, including Old Tom, suggests that he is a skilled and experienced driver.
The fourth stanza describes the journey that Old Tom and the other sled dogs must undertake. They must cross “rivers wide and deep,” and climb “mountains steep and high.” This imagery suggests that the journey will be long and difficult, and that only the strongest and most resilient will survive.
The fifth stanza introduces the theme of loyalty, as Old Tom is described as “faithful to the last.” This suggests that Old Tom is not just a sled dog, but a loyal companion who will stick by his master no matter what. The fact that he is willing to endure such hardship and danger for his master’s sake is a testament to his loyalty and devotion.
The sixth stanza introduces the theme of endurance, as Old Tom is described as “tireless as the wind.” This suggests that Old Tom is not just a strong and resilient dog, but a dog who is able to endure the most difficult of conditions without complaint. The fact that he is able to keep going, even when the other dogs are exhausted, is a testament to his endurance and strength.
The seventh stanza introduces the theme of resilience, as Old Tom is described as “undaunted by the storm.” This suggests that Old Tom is not just a dog who is able to endure difficult conditions, but a dog who is able to bounce back from adversity and continue on his journey. The fact that he is able to keep going, even when the other dogs are faltering, is a testament to his resilience and determination.
The eighth stanza introduces the theme of mortality, as Old Tom is described as “scarred and old and cunning.” This suggests that Old Tom is not invincible, and that he has been through much in his life. The fact that he is still alive and kicking, however, suggests that he is a survivor who has been able to overcome the many challenges that life has thrown his way.
The ninth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these themes together, as Old Tom and the other sled dogs finally reach their destination. The fact that they have made it through such difficult conditions is a testament to their strength, endurance, and resilience. The fact that Old Tom is still alive and kicking, despite his scars and age, is a testament to his loyalty and devotion. And the fact that they have all made it through together is a testament to the power of teamwork and cooperation.
In terms of language, Service uses a variety of techniques to convey the themes and imagery of the poem. He uses alliteration, for example, to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The phrase “wild and wolfish” in the second stanza, for example, creates a sense of danger and unpredictability. He also uses repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase “scarred and old and cunning” in the eighth stanza, to emphasize the themes of mortality and resilience.
In conclusion, Old Tom is a classic poem that tells the story of a sled dog’s journey through the harsh and unforgiving terrain of the Yukon. The poem is a testament to the endurance and resilience of the human spirit, as well as the loyalty and strength of man’s best friend. Through its themes, imagery, and language, the poem conveys a powerful message about the importance of strength, endurance, and resilience in the face of adversity. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.
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