'Second Childhood' by Robert Service
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When I go on my morning walk,
Because I'm mild,
If I be in the mood to talk
I choose a child.
I'd rather prattle with a lass
Of tender age
Than converse in the high-brow class
With college sage.
I love the touch of silken hand
That softly clings;
In old of age I understand
Life's little things.
I love the lisp of tiny tongue
And trusting eyes;
These are the joys that keep me young
As daylight dies.
For as to second childhood I
Draw gently near,
With happy heart I see the why
Children are dear.
So wise Professor, go your way,--
I am beguiled
To wistful loving by the gay
Laugh of a child.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Second Childhood by Robert Service: A Poem that Resonates with Life's Transitions
Have you ever felt like you are not getting any younger and wished you could go back to the days when life was simpler? That's exactly what Robert Service explores in his poem, Second Childhood. The poem is about an old man who longs to relive his youth, but realizes he can never go back.
Service is a master of storytelling, and he uses his poetic skills to create a vivid picture of the old man's journey down memory lane. From the first stanza, we get a glimpse of the old man's state of mind. He is not happy with his present situation and wishes he could be young again.
"When I go on my morning walk, And I see in the hedgerow's gleam The ripe wild fruits of autumn red And gold as in a dream, Half glad, half sad, I shake my head; For oh, I know the dread That lurks behind each dazzling sign Of death and life's decline."
In these lines, we see the old man's conflicting emotions. He is half glad to see the beauty of autumn but also half sad because he knows that it's a sign of death and decline. The use of words such as "dread," "decline," and "death" creates a somber tone that sets the stage for the rest of the poem.
As the old man continues his walk, he sees a group of children playing and is reminded of his youth. He envies the children's innocence and carefree attitude, and he wishes he could join in their games.
"I see the children at their play, And oh, it stirs a pang! For in their mirth and innocence I feel a poignant twang, A longing for the vanished years, A hope, a fear, a prayer, A dream that's born of weariness, A sorrow and a care."
The use of the word "pang" in this stanza highlights the old man's deep-seated desire to relive his youth. He feels a "poignant twang" as he watches the children play, which suggests a sharp pain or discomfort. The repetition of the word "a" in the last two lines creates a sense of confusion and mixed emotions. The old man is experiencing hope, fear, prayer, dream, sorrow, and care all at once.
The second stanza ends with the old man realizing that he can never go back to his youth. He has to accept his present reality and make the most of it.
"Yet as I turn me to the town, And see the busy folk, I know that I am not of them, I feel a sorry joke; For they are young and I am old, And Time has made us twain, But never made my spirit bold To face the years again."
In these lines, the old man acknowledges that he is different from the younger generation. He is old, and time has separated him from them. The use of the word "sorry joke" creates a sense of irony, as the old man realizes that he is the only one who thinks of himself as young. The last line of the stanza is particularly powerful. The old man knows that he can never go back to his youth, no matter how much he wishes he could.
In the third stanza, the old man reflects on his life and realizes that he has lived a good life. He has experienced everything life has to offer, both good and bad.
"I've played the game of love and lost, And paid a bitter cost; I've seen the gold of fortune tossed And squandered ere 'twas crossed; And now I know the prize I sought Was not the prize I won; For wisdom's gold is finer wrought Than ever glittered in the sun."
The use of the word "game" in the first line suggests that the old man sees life as a game. He has played it and lost, but he has also learned from his mistakes. The second and third lines suggest that he has had his fair share of success and failure. However, he has now realized that the true prize in life is wisdom, not material wealth or success.
In the final stanza, the old man embraces his present reality and finds peace in it. He knows that his time is almost up, but he is not afraid. He has lived a good life, and he is ready to face his final journey.
"And so I go my way content, And if you hear me say, 'I'm young again,' you'll know I meant The youth of yesterday; And though I'm tottering to my goal, I do not feel afraid, For I have loved and I have played And I have had my day."
The use of the word "content" in the first line suggests that the old man has found peace in his present reality. He accepts that he can never go back to his youth, but he is grateful for the memories he has. The last two lines of the stanza are particularly powerful. The old man is not afraid of death because he has lived a good life. He has loved, played, and had his day.
In conclusion, Second Childhood is a powerful poem that explores the theme of aging and the longing for youth. Robert Service's use of vivid imagery and poetic language creates a poignant picture of the old man's journey down memory lane. The poem is a reminder that life is short and that we should make the most of it. We should embrace our present reality and find peace in it, knowing that we have lived a good life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Second Childhood: A Poem of Nostalgia and Reflection
Robert Service, the renowned poet and writer, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, Second Childhood, is a beautiful ode to the joys and sorrows of growing old. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Service takes us on a journey of nostalgia and reflection, reminding us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of cherishing every moment.
The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his childhood, a time of innocence and wonder. He describes the joy of running through fields and playing with friends, of feeling the wind in his hair and the sun on his face. The imagery is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a carefree and idyllic time. However, as the poem progresses, the speaker acknowledges that those days are long gone, and he is now in the twilight of his life.
The second stanza of the poem is where the theme of aging and mortality becomes more apparent. The speaker describes how he now spends his days sitting in a chair, watching the world go by. He speaks of the aches and pains that come with old age, and the sense of isolation that can accompany it. However, despite these challenges, the speaker remains optimistic and grateful for the life he has lived. He acknowledges that while his body may be frail, his spirit is still strong, and he is determined to make the most of his remaining time.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. Here, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death, and the fear that can come with it. He speaks of the uncertainty of what lies beyond this life, and the sadness of leaving behind loved ones. However, he also acknowledges that death is a natural part of the cycle of life, and that it is something that we must all face eventually. He ends the stanza with a sense of acceptance, stating that he is ready to embrace whatever comes next.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful conclusion to the journey of reflection that the speaker has taken us on. Here, he speaks of the importance of cherishing every moment of life, and of finding joy in the simple things. He encourages us to take the time to appreciate the beauty of nature, to spend time with loved ones, and to live life to the fullest. The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful, as the speaker declares that he is not afraid of death, because he knows that he has lived a full and meaningful life.
Overall, Second Childhood is a beautiful and moving poem that speaks to the universal experience of aging and mortality. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Robert Service captures the joys and sorrows of growing old, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every moment of life. The poem is a testament to the power of reflection and gratitude, and a reminder that even in the face of death, there is still beauty and meaning to be found in life.
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