'Procreation' by Robert Service
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It hurts my pride that I should be
The issue of a night of lust;
Yet even Bishops, you'll agree,
Obey the biologic 'must';
Though no doubt with more dignity
Than we of layman dust.
I think the Lord made a mistake
When he designed the human race,
That man and angel in the make
Should have brutality for base.
Jehovah might have planned at least
Not to confound us with the beast.
So with humiliation I
Think of my basic origin;
And yet with some relief I sigh,--
I might have been conceived in sin;
Instead of being, I believe,
The offspring of a nuptial eve.
So when I look in beauty's face,
Or that of king or saint or sage,
It seems to me I darkly trace
Their being to a rutting rage . . .
Had I been Deity's adviser
Meseems I might have planned it wiser.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Procreation: A Study in the Beauty and Complexity of Life
Robert Service’s Procreation is a masterpiece of poetry, rich in imagery and symbolism. With its vivid descriptions of the natural world and its musings on the cycle of life, the poem invites us to contemplate our place in the universe and the miracle of creation. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, symbols, and poetic devices in Procreation, and argue that the poem is a celebration of the beauty and complexity of life.
The Beauty of Nature
One of the most striking aspects of Procreation is its depiction of the natural world. The poem paints a vivid picture of the beauty and diversity of life, from the “burning gold of autumn’s sky” to the “blue-green shimmer of a summer sea”. The poem also celebrates the abundance of life, with its images of “flocks and herds on hill and plain” and the “myriad-marvellous life that teems the land and sea”.
At the same time, Service does not shy away from the darker aspects of nature. The poem acknowledges the brutality of the natural world, with its references to the “carnage of the chase” and the “teeth and claws that rend and tear”. Yet even in the midst of this violence, there is a sense of balance and harmony. As the poem puts it:
No creature dies but has bequeathed Its heritage of life.
In this way, Service suggests that death is not an end, but a continuation of the cycle of life.
The Miracle of Creation
At the heart of Procreation is a sense of wonder at the miracle of creation. Service marvels at the complexity and interconnectedness of life, from the “mighty oak” to the “humblest weed”. The poem suggests that every living thing has its place in the grand scheme of things, and that even the smallest creature plays a vital role in the ecosystem.
The poem also celebrates the power of reproduction, which allows life to continue and evolve. Service writes:
From lowly germ to lordly man, From man to lordlier god.
Here, he suggests that evolution is not a linear process but a continuous cycle of growth and change. The poem also acknowledges the role of beauty and attraction in reproduction, with its descriptions of “the lure of love’s sweet mystery” and “the bright allure of eye and hair”.
Symbols and Poetic Devices
Procreation is rich in symbols and poetic devices that deepen its meaning and enhance its beauty. One of the most striking symbols in the poem is that of the “cosmic loom”, which suggests that all of creation is connected and interwoven. The image of the “looming spider” also reinforces this idea, as it suggests that even the smallest creature has a role to play in the grand design.
The poem also makes use of vivid imagery to bring its themes to life. The image of the “laughing grasses” is particularly striking, as it suggests that even the natural world is capable of joy and mirth. The poem also makes use of personification, as in the line “The forest flings its arms in glee”. Here, the forest is presented as a living, breathing entity, capable of emotion and expression.
Service also makes use of repetition and rhyme to create a musicality in the poem. The repetition of the phrase “This is the wonder of the world” reinforces the sense of awe and reverence that permeates the poem. The rhyme scheme, with its ABAB quatrains, creates a sense of symmetry and balance, mirroring the natural world it describes.
Conclusion
In Procreation, Robert Service celebrates the beauty and complexity of life, inviting us to contemplate our place in the universe and the miracle of creation. Through its vivid imagery, symbols, and poetic devices, the poem invites us to marvel at the natural world and its many wonders. At the same time, the poem acknowledges the darker aspects of nature, suggesting that even in the midst of violence and death, there is a sense of balance and harmony. Procreation is a masterpiece of poetry, a testament to the power of language to capture the essence of life itself.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Procreation by Robert Service is a classic poem that explores the beauty and wonder of the act of procreation. The poem is a celebration of life and the miracle of birth, and it is written in a style that is both lyrical and powerful. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and imagery of the poem, as well as the poet's use of language and structure.
The poem begins with the lines, "Conceive, my lips, the smile of breasts, / And lift with joy the envious lids." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the female form and the act of procreation. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the female body, comparing it to a "temple" and a "shrine." He also uses language that is both sensual and reverent, describing the "sacred flame" that burns within the female body.
As the poem progresses, the poet explores the act of procreation itself, describing it as a "holy rite" and a "mystic sacrament." He uses language that is both religious and erotic, describing the "holy wine" that is spilled during the act of lovemaking. The poet also explores the idea of the male and female coming together as one, describing the act of procreation as a "marriage of flesh and soul."
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which the poet uses language to create a sense of wonder and awe. He describes the act of procreation as a "miracle" and a "wonder," and he uses language that is both grand and poetic to convey the sense of awe that he feels. For example, he describes the female body as a "temple" and a "shrine," and he uses words like "holy" and "sacred" to describe the act of procreation.
Another important theme in the poem is the idea of continuity and the passing on of life from one generation to the next. The poet describes the act of procreation as a way of "renewing the race," and he uses language that is both powerful and poignant to convey the sense of continuity that is inherent in the act of procreation. He also explores the idea of the cycle of life and death, describing the act of procreation as a way of "defying death" and "mocking the grave."
The structure of the poem is also worth noting. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the poet to use language in a way that is both fluid and expressive. The poem is divided into several stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the act of procreation. The poet also uses repetition and parallelism to create a sense of rhythm and momentum in the poem.
In conclusion, Procreation by Robert Service is a powerful and lyrical poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the act of procreation. The poet uses vivid imagery and language that is both sensual and reverent to convey the sense of awe and wonder that he feels. The poem explores themes of continuity, the cycle of life and death, and the passing on of life from one generation to the next. The structure of the poem is also noteworthy, as the poet uses free verse and repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. Overall, Procreation is a classic poem that continues to inspire and move readers today.
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