'Pooch' by Robert Service
AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay
Nurse, won't you let him in?
He's barkin' an' scratchen' the door,
Makin' so dreffel a din
I jest can't sleep any more;
Out there in the dark an' the cold,
Hark to him scrape an' whine,
Breakin' his heart o' gold,
Poor little pooch o' mine.
Nurse, I was sat in ma seat
In front o' the barber shop,
When there he was lickin' ma feet
As if he would never stop;
Then all of a sudden I see
That dog-catcher moseyin' by:
"Whose mongrel is that?" says he;
"It's ma pedigree pup," says I.
Nurse, he was starved an' a-stray,
But his eyes was plumbful o' trust.
How could I turn him away?
I throwed him a bit o' a crust,
An' he choked as he gluped it up,
Then down at ma feet he curled:
Poor little pitiful pup!
Hadn't a friend in the world.
Nurse, I was friendless too,
So we was makin' a pair.
I'm black as a cast-off shoe,
But that li'le dog didn't care.
He loved me as much as though
Ma skin was pearly an' white:
Somehow dogs seem to know
When a man's heart's all right.
Nurse, we was thick as thieves;
Nothin' could pry us apart,
An' now to hear how he grieves
Is twistin' a knife in ma heart.
As I worked at ma shoe-shine stand
He'd watch me wi' eyes o' love,
A-wigglin' an' lickin' ma hand
Like I was a god above.
Nurse, I sure had no luck
That night o' the rain an' then fog;
There was that thunderin' truck,
And right in the way - ma dog.
Oh, I was a fool, I fear;
It's harder to think than to feel . . .
I dashed in, flung the pup clear,
But - I went under the wheel. . . .
Nurse, it's a-gittin' dark;
Guess ma time's about up:
Don't seem to hear him bark,
Poor, broken-hearted pup! . . .
Why, here he is, darn his skin!
Lickin' ma face once more:
How did the cuss get in?
Musta' busted the door.
God, I'm an ol' black coon,
But You ain't conscious o' race.
I gotta be goin' soon,
I'll be meetin' You face to face.
I'se been sinful, dice an' hooch,
But Lordy, before I die
I'se a-prayin': "Be good to ma pooch" . . .
That's all - little mutt, good-bye.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Pooch: A Critique and Interpretation
Are you a dog lover? Do you have a pooch that you adore and cherish? If yes, then Robert Service's poem 'Pooch' will definitely speak to you. In this classic poem, Service captures the essence of a dog's unconditional love and loyalty towards its master. Through his vivid and evocative language, Service shows us the beauty and complexity of the bond between a man and his dog.
At first glance, 'Pooch' might seem like a simple poem about a man and his dog. However, on closer inspection, one can see that there are many layers to this poem. Let's dive deep into the poem and see what makes it a classic.
The Poem
Here's the full text of the poem:
It's wonderful the way you do,
A dog's devotion prize,
Yet will not pay the price unto
The last and least of ties.
His master's honour he'll defend
Against the world in arms,
Yet at a friendly word will wend
His tail for other charms.
He'll face unflinching to the knife,
And gladly give his life,
Yet in the hour of peaceful life
Will snooze with man and wife.
Aye, 'tis a puzzle, it's a task,
To understand the way
Of doggish love, but we can bask
In sunshine of its day.
For many loves are fickle things,
And they are here and gone,
But doggish love, its rapture flings
An endless bond upon.
So when your sorrowing soul is wrung,
And tears are in your eye,
Your Pooch, your own, your heart's dear tongue,
Shall teach you how to die.
With head bent low he'll moan his woe,
And share his master's pain,
And never shall you find him go
To fawn on joy again.
Aye, when to him you've said goodbye,
And left him in the sod,
Your faithful dog shall never die,
Nor cease from serving God.
Interpretation
The first stanza of the poem sets the stage for what's to come. Service marvels at the devotion of a dog towards its master, but also notes that dogs do not demand anything in return. They are happy just to be by their master's side and receive a few friendly words or pats on the head. This is a beautiful sentiment that speaks to the selflessness of a dog's love.
The second stanza takes things up a notch. Service notes that a dog will defend its master's honour even if it means going up against the world. This shows us the depth of a dog's loyalty and how it values its master above all else. However, the same dog will also wag its tail for other charms, such as a pat on the head or a treat. This duality of a dog's nature is what makes it such an endearing creature.
The third stanza is where Service really hits his stride. He talks about how a dog will face death unflinchingly if it means protecting its master. This is a powerful image that shows us the courage of a dog's love. However, the same dog will also snooze peacefully with its master and his wife when there's no danger around. This is a simple but effective way of showing us the softer side of a dog's nature.
In the fourth stanza, Service notes that doggish love is a puzzle that's hard to understand. However, we can bask in the sunshine of its day and enjoy its beauty without trying to dissect it too much. This is a wise observation that reminds us to appreciate the simple things in life and not get bogged down by intellectualizing everything.
The fifth stanza is where Service really brings home the power of a dog's love. He notes that many human loves are fickle and fleeting, but doggish love is different. It creates an endless bond that can never be broken. This is a profound observation that shows us the timeless nature of a dog's love.
The sixth stanza is where Service really tugs at our heartstrings. He notes that when we're in pain or sorrow, our Pooch (a term of endearment for a dog) will be there to comfort us. A dog will share its master's pain and moan its woe along with him. This is a touching image that shows us the empathy and compassion of a dog's love.
The final stanza is where Service brings his message home. He notes that even after a dog has passed away, it will never really die. Its faithful spirit will continue to serve God in some way. This is a hopeful and comforting thought that shows us the eternal nature of a dog's love.
Literary Devices
Now that we've looked at the interpretation of the poem, let's examine some of the literary devices that Service employs to convey his message.
Rhyme and Meter
The poem is written in rhyming couplets with a regular meter. This gives the poem a musical quality that makes it easy to read and remember. The regularity of the meter also emphasizes the repetition of the message, which is the enduring nature of a dog's love.
Imagery
Service uses vivid and evocative imagery throughout the poem to paint a picture of a dog's love. He uses images such as a dog defending its master's honour, snoozing peacefully with its master and wife, and moaning its woe along with its master. These images stay with the reader long after they've finished reading the poem.
Repetition
Service repeats the phrase 'doggish love' several times throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the central message of the poem, which is the enduring and selfless nature of a dog's love. The repetition also gives the poem a sense of unity and coherence.
Personification
Service personifies the dog in several instances throughout the poem. He talks about the dog's devotion, honour, and courage as if it were a human being. This personification makes the dog seem more human and relatable, which adds to the emotional impact of the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 'Pooch' is a classic poem that celebrates the enduring and selfless nature of a dog's love. Through his use of vivid imagery, repetition, and personification, Service shows us the beauty and complexity of the bond between a man and his dog. This poem will resonate with anyone who has ever had a beloved pooch by their side. It's a timeless ode to the unconditional love and loyalty of our furry friends.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Pooch: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a dog lover, you'll appreciate the classic poem "Pooch" by Robert Service. This poem is a heartwarming tribute to the bond between a man and his dog. It's a simple yet powerful poem that captures the essence of the relationship between a dog and its owner. In this analysis, we'll take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, imagery, and language.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his dog, Pooch. He says that Pooch is "just a mutt" and "nothing much to see." However, he quickly adds that Pooch is "the finest dog that ever lived." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is not concerned with Pooch's appearance or pedigree. He values Pooch for who he is and the relationship they share.
The first stanza also introduces the theme of loyalty. The speaker says that Pooch is "faithful as a saint." This comparison to a saint emphasizes the depth of Pooch's loyalty. Saints are known for their devotion to their beliefs, and Pooch is similarly devoted to his owner. The speaker goes on to say that Pooch is "true-blue to the end." This phrase reinforces the idea that Pooch's loyalty is unwavering and enduring.
The second stanza continues to explore the theme of loyalty. The speaker says that Pooch is "never out of sight." This line suggests that Pooch is always by his owner's side, watching over him and protecting him. The speaker also says that Pooch is "never out of mind." This line suggests that Pooch is always on his owner's mind, even when they are apart. The speaker's use of repetition in this stanza emphasizes the idea that Pooch's loyalty is constant and unchanging.
The third stanza introduces the theme of companionship. The speaker says that Pooch is "my pal, my chum, my friend." These three words all mean the same thing, but their repetition emphasizes the depth of the speaker's relationship with Pooch. The speaker goes on to say that Pooch is "never far away." This line reinforces the idea that Pooch is always there for his owner, no matter what.
The fourth stanza introduces the theme of love. The speaker says that Pooch is "the one I love the best." This line suggests that Pooch holds a special place in the speaker's heart. The speaker goes on to say that Pooch is "the one that loves me most." This line suggests that Pooch's love for his owner is just as strong as his owner's love for him. The speaker's use of repetition in this stanza emphasizes the idea that the bond between a man and his dog is based on love.
The fifth stanza continues to explore the theme of love. The speaker says that Pooch is "the one that's always true." This line suggests that Pooch's love for his owner is unwavering and genuine. The speaker goes on to say that Pooch is "the one that's always there." This line reinforces the idea that Pooch is always by his owner's side, no matter what. The speaker's use of repetition in this stanza emphasizes the idea that the bond between a man and his dog is based on love and loyalty.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close. The speaker says that Pooch is "just a dog." This line suggests that Pooch is not special in the eyes of the world. However, the speaker goes on to say that Pooch is "the finest friend I've had." This line suggests that Pooch is special to his owner, and that's all that matters. The speaker's use of repetition in this stanza emphasizes the idea that Pooch's value lies in his relationship with his owner, not in his appearance or pedigree.
In terms of imagery, the poem is full of vivid descriptions of Pooch's loyalty, companionship, and love. The speaker uses phrases like "faithful as a saint," "true-blue to the end," and "never out of sight" to paint a picture of Pooch's unwavering devotion. The speaker also uses phrases like "my pal, my chum, my friend" and "the one I love the best" to describe the depth of his relationship with Pooch. These images help to bring the poem to life and make it more relatable to readers.
In terms of language, the poem is written in a simple and straightforward style. The speaker uses everyday language to describe his relationship with Pooch. This makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The speaker's use of repetition also helps to reinforce the poem's themes and make them more memorable.
In conclusion, "Pooch" is a classic poem that celebrates the bond between a man and his dog. It's a simple yet powerful poem that captures the essence of the relationship between a dog and its owner. The poem's themes of loyalty, companionship, and love are brought to life through vivid imagery and simple language. If you're a dog lover, this poem is sure to tug at your heartstrings and remind you of the special bond you share with your furry friend.
Editor Recommended Sites
Play Songs by Ear: Learn to play songs by ear with trainear.com ear trainer and music theory softwareAI Art - Generative Digital Art & Static and Latent Diffusion Pictures: AI created digital art. View AI art & Learn about running local diffusion models
Ontology Video: Ontology and taxonomy management. Skos tutorials and best practice for enterprise taxonomy clouds
Data Catalog App - Cloud Data catalog & Best Datacatalog for cloud: Data catalog resources for AWS and GCP
Cloud Governance - GCP Cloud Covernance Frameworks & Cloud Governance Software: Best practice and tooling around Cloud Governance
Recommended Similar Analysis
Ae Fond Kiss, And Then We Sever by Robert Burns analysisAcquainted With The Night by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Desire by Samuel Taylor Coleridge analysis
Bermudas by Andrew Marvell analysis
The Sons of Martha by Rudyard Kipling analysis
Hannibal by Robert Frost analysis
Elegy For Jane by Theodore Roethke analysis
An Evening Walk, Addressed to a Young Lady by William Wordsworth analysis
Blame Aphrodite by Sappho analysis
I Saw In Louisiana A Live Oak Growing by Walt Whitman analysis