'While The Bannock Bakes' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a Rolling StoneLight up your pipe again, old chum, and sit awhile with me;
I've got to watch the bannock bake -- how restful is the air!
You'd little think that we were somewhere north of Sixty-three,
Though where I don't exactly know, and don't precisely care.
The man-size mountains palisade us round on every side;
The river is a-flop with fish, and ripples silver-clear;
The midnight sunshine brims yon cleft -- we think it's the Divide;
We'll get there in a month, maybe, or maybe in a year.It doesn't matter, does it, pal? We're of that breed of men
With whom the world of wine and cards and women disagree;
Your trouble was a roofless game of poker now and then,
And "raising up my elbow", that's what got away with me.
We're merely "Undesirables", artistic more or less;
My horny hands are Chopin-wise; you quote your Browning well;
And yet we're fooling round for gold in this damned wilderness:
The joke is, if we found it, we would both go straight to hell.Well, maybe we won't find it -- and at least we've got the "life".
We're both as brown as berries, and could wrestle with a bear:
(That bannock's raising nicely, pal; just jab it with your knife.)
Fine specimens of manhood they would reckon us out there.
It's the tracking and the packing and the poling in the sun;
It's the sleeping in the open, it's the rugged, unfaked food;
It's the snow-shoe and the paddle, and the campfire and the gun,
And when I think of what I was, I know that it is good.Just think of how we've poled all day up this strange little stream;
Since life began no eye of man has seen this place before;
How fearless all the wild things are! the banks with goose-grass gleam,
And there's a bronzy musk-rat sitting sniffing at his door.
A mother duck with brood of ten comes squattering along;
The tawny, white-winged ptarmigan are flying all about;
And in that swirly, golden pool, a restless, gleaming throng,
The trout are waiting till we condescend to take them out.Ah, yes, it's good! I'll bet that there's no doctor like the Wild:
(Just turn that bannock over there; it's getting nicely brown.)
I might be in my grave by now, forgotten and reviled,
Or rotting like a sickly cur in some far, foreign town.
I might be that vile thing I was, -- it all seems like a dream;
I owed a man a grudge one time that only life could pay;
And yet it's half-forgotten now -- how petty these things seem!
(But that's "another story", pal; I'll tell it you some day.)How strange two "irresponsibles" should chum away up here!
But round the Arctic Circle friends are few and far between.
We've shared the same camp-fire and tent for nigh on seven year,
And never had a word that wasn't cheering and serene.
We've halved the toil and split the spoil, and borne each other's packs;
By all the Wild's freemasonry we're brothers, tried and true;
We've swept on danger side by side, and fought it back to back,
And you would die for me, old pal, and I would die for you.Now there was that time I got lost in Rory Bory Land,
(How quick the blizzards sweep on one across that Polar sea!)
You formed a rescue crew of One, and saw a frozen hand
That stuck out of a drift of snow -- and, partner, it was Me.
But I got even, did I not, that day the paddle broke?
White water on the Coppermine -- a rock -- a split canoe --
Two fellows struggling in the foam (one couldn't swim a stroke):
A half-drowned man I dragged ashore . . . and partner, it was You.* * * * *In Rory Borealis Land the winter's long and black.
The silence seems a solid thing, shot through with wolfish woe;
And rowelled by the eager stars the skies vault vastly back,
And man seems but a little mite on that weird-lit plateau.
No thing to do but smoke and yarn of wild and misspent lives,
Beside the camp-fire there we sat -- what tales you told to me
Of love and hate, and chance and fate, and temporary wives!
In Rory Borealis Land, beside the Arctic Sea.One yarn you told me in those days I can remember still;
It seemed as if I visioned it, so sharp you sketched it in;
Bellona was the name, I think; a coast town in Brazil,
Where nobody did anything but serenade and sin.
I saw it all -- the jewelled sea, the golden scythe of sand,
The stately pillars of the palms, the feathery bamboo,
The red-roofed houses and the swart, sun-dominated land,
The people ever children, and the heavens ever blue.You told me of that girl of yours, that blossom of old Spain,
All glamour, grace and witchery, all passion, verve and glow.
How maddening she must have been! You made me see her plain,
There by our little camp-fire, in the silence and the snow.
You loved her and she loved you. She'd a husband, too, I think,
A doctor chap, you told me, whom she treated like a dog,
A white man living on the beach, a hopeless slave to drink --
(Just turn that bannock over there, that's propped against the log.)That story seemed to strike me, pal -- it happens every day:
You had to go away awhile, then somehow it befell
The doctor chap discovered, gave her up, and disappeared;
You came back, tired of her in time . . . there's nothing more to tell.
Hist! see those willows silvering where swamp and river meet!
Just reach me up my rifle quick; that's Mister Moose, I know --
There now, I've got him dead to rights . . . but hell! we've lots to eat
I don't believe in taking life -- we'll let the beggar go.Heigh ho! I'm tired; the bannock's cooked; it's time we both turned in.
The morning mist is coral-kissed, the morning sky is gold.
The camp-fire's a confessional -- what funny yarns we spin!
It sort of made me think a bit, that story that you told.
The fig-leaf belt and Rory Bory are such odd extremes,
Yet after all how very small this old world seems to be . . .
Yes, that was quite a yarn, old pal, and yet to me it seems
You missed the point: the point is that the "doctor chap" . . . was ME. . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

"While The Bannock Bakes" by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you a fan of Robert Service's poetry? Do you enjoy reading about the Canadian wilderness, the rugged lifestyle of pioneers, and the allure of gold mining? Then you must have come across his poem, "While The Bannock Bakes."

This classic piece of literature takes us on a journey through the eyes of a gold miner, as he waits for his daily bread to bake in the oven. But this is not just any ordinary bread - it's a bannock, a hearty and essential food item that sustained the miners during their grueling work days. Let's take a closer look at the poem and analyze its themes, symbols, and literary devices.

Summary of "While The Bannock Bakes"

The poem opens with the speaker describing the process of baking a bannock. He tells us how he has mixed the dough, added some bacon for flavor, and placed it in the oven to bake. As he waits for the bread to cook, he reflects on his life as a gold miner. He talks about the hardships he and his fellow miners face every day, from the dangerous work conditions to the isolation from their families.

Despite these challenges, the speaker remains optimistic and grateful for his life. He talks about the beauty of the wilderness around him, the sense of camaraderie he feels with his fellow miners, and the freedom he enjoys despite the difficult circumstances. As the bannock bakes, he sings a song to pass the time, expressing his love for the land and his appreciation for the simple pleasures in life.

The poem ends with the speaker removing the bannock from the oven and enjoying it with his friends. He talks about the joy of sharing a meal with others and the sense of community it creates. He concludes by saying that even though life may be tough, he wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.

Themes in "While The Bannock Bakes"

One of the key themes in this poem is the idea of survival. The bannock that the speaker bakes is not just a food item - it is a symbol of the miners' resilience and resourcefulness. In the harsh conditions of the Canadian wilderness, where food was scarce and unpredictable weather could strike at any moment, the ability to create their own sustenance was crucial to their survival. The speaker takes pride in his ability to bake a bannock, and his gratitude for this simple pleasure reflects the miners' determination to keep going despite the odds.

Another theme in the poem is the idea of community. The speaker talks about the sense of camaraderie he feels with his fellow miners, and how sharing a meal together creates a bond between them. In a harsh and unforgiving environment, the miners rely on each other for support and companionship. The simple act of baking a bannock and sharing it with others is a reminder of their shared humanity and the importance of looking out for one another.

The poem also touches on the idea of freedom. Despite the difficult conditions and the isolation from their families, the speaker feels a sense of liberation in the wilderness. He talks about the beauty of the land around him and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring it. For the miners, this lifestyle represents a break from the constraints of society and the monotony of everyday life.

Symbols in "While The Bannock Bakes"

One of the key symbols in the poem is the bannock itself. As mentioned earlier, the bread represents the miners' ability to survive in a harsh environment. But it also symbolizes their resourcefulness and creativity - the ability to make something out of very little. The addition of bacon to the dough is another example of this ingenuity, and it adds a touch of flavor to an otherwise plain food item.

The wilderness surrounding the miners is also a powerful symbol in the poem. It represents freedom, adventure, and the beauty of the natural world. But it also represents danger and unpredictability - the harsh realities of life in the wilderness. The miners must navigate this landscape every day, and their ability to do so is a testament to their strength and resilience.

Finally, the act of sharing a meal with others is a symbol of community and camaraderie. In a world where survival is often a solitary endeavor, the ability to come together and share a meal is a powerful reminder of our shared humanity. The bannock represents not just a food item, but a connection to other people and a sense of belonging.

Literary Devices in "While The Bannock Bakes"

One of the most notable literary devices in this poem is the use of rhyme and meter. The poem follows a strict ABAB rhyme scheme, with each line consisting of eight syllables. This creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that echoes the speaker's song. The consistent meter also reflects the sense of order and routine in the miners' lives.

Another literary device used in the poem is personification. The speaker refers to the bannock as if it were a living creature, saying that it "swells with pride and joy." This anthropomorphization adds a touch of humor and whimsy to the poem, as well as underscoring the importance of the bannock to the miners' survival.

Finally, the poem uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the wilderness and the miners' lives. We can imagine the rugged landscape, the smell of baking bread, and the sense of camaraderie around the dinner table. These images help to bring the poem to life and make it resonate with readers.

Conclusion

Robert Service's "While The Bannock Bakes" is a classic piece of Canadian literature that touches on themes of survival, community, and freedom. Through the simple act of baking a bannock, the speaker reflects on the challenges and joys of life as a gold miner in the Canadian wilderness. The poem uses symbols, imagery, and literary devices to create a vivid and memorable portrait of this world. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend it - it's a beautiful reminder of the power of simple pleasures and the importance of community in our lives.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry While The Bannock Bakes: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

As a lover of poetry, I have always been fascinated by the works of Robert Service. His poems are not only beautiful but also have a way of capturing the essence of life in a way that is both relatable and inspiring. One of his most famous works is Poetry While The Bannock Bakes, a poem that speaks to the power of creativity and the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the act of making bannock, a traditional Scottish bread. As the bread bakes, the speaker begins to feel a sense of peace and contentment, and he decides to write a poem. The poem is not about anything in particular; it is simply a celebration of the act of creating something beautiful.

The first stanza sets the scene, describing the process of making bannock. The speaker describes the smell of the bread as it bakes, and the way the fire crackles and pops. He also mentions the beauty of the surrounding landscape, with its rolling hills and winding streams. This stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world and the joy of creating something with one's own hands.

In the second stanza, the speaker begins to write his poem. He describes the act of writing as a kind of magic, a way of transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. He also speaks to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life, to distill the beauty of the world into a few simple words. This stanza is a celebration of the power of creativity and the importance of finding joy in the act of creation.

The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem. Here, the speaker speaks to the idea that life is fleeting, that we must seize the moment and make the most of our time on earth. He speaks to the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life, of taking pleasure in the act of creating something beautiful. This stanza is a reminder that life is short, and that we must make the most of every moment.

The fourth stanza is a celebration of the beauty of the natural world. The speaker describes the way the sun sets over the hills, casting a warm glow over the landscape. He also speaks to the beauty of the stars, and the way they twinkle in the night sky. This stanza is a reminder that the world is full of beauty, and that we must take the time to appreciate it.

The final stanza is a celebration of the act of creation. The speaker speaks to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life, to transform the ordinary into something extraordinary. He also speaks to the importance of finding joy in the act of creation, of taking pleasure in the process of making something beautiful. This stanza is a reminder that creativity is a powerful force, and that we must embrace it in order to live a fulfilling life.

In conclusion, Poetry While The Bannock Bakes is a beautiful and inspiring poem that speaks to the power of creativity and the importance of finding joy in the simple things in life. Robert Service has a way of capturing the essence of life in a way that is both relatable and inspiring, and this poem is no exception. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this poem is sure to speak to you on a deep and profound level. So take a moment to read it, and let its words inspire you to embrace your own creativity and find joy in the act of creation.

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