'The Wanderlust' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Rolling StoneThe Wanderlust has lured me to the seven lonely seas,
Has dumped me on the tailing-piles of dearth;
The Wanderlust has haled me from the morris chairs of ease,
Has hurled me to the ends of all the earth.
How bitterly I've cursed it, oh, the Painted Desert knows,
The wraithlike heights that hug the pallid plain,
The all-but-fluid silence, -- yet the longing grows and grows,
And I've got to glut the Wanderlust again.Soldier, sailor, in what a plight I've been!
Tinker, tailor, oh what a sight I've seen!
And I'm hitting the trail in the morning, boys,
And you won't see my heels for dust;
For it's "all day" with you
When you answer the cueOf the Wan-der-lust.The Wanderlust has got me . . . by the belly-aching fire,
By the fever and the freezing and the pain;
By the darkness that just drowns you, by the wail of home desire,
I've tried to break the spell of it -- in vain.
Life might have been a feast for me, now there are only crumbs;
In rags and tatters, beggar-wise I sit;
Yet there's no rest or peace for me, imperious it drums,
The Wanderlust, and I must follow it.Highway, by-way, many a mile I've done;
Rare way, fair way, many a height I've won;
But I'm pulling my freight in the morning, boys,
And it's over the hills or bust;
For there's never a cure
When you list to the lureOf the Wan-der-lust.The Wanderlust has taught me . . . it has whispered to my heart
Things all you stay-at-homes will never know.
The white man and the savage are but three short days apart,
Three days of cursing, crawling, doubt and woe.
Then it's down to chewing muclucs, to the water you can eat,
To fish you bolt with nose held in your hand.
When you get right down to cases, it's King's Grub that rules the races,
And the Wanderlust will help you understand.Haunting, taunting, that is the spell of it;
Mocking, baulking, that is the hell of it;
But I'll shoulder my pack in the morning, boys,
And I'm going because I must;
For it's so-long to all
When you answer the callOf the Wan-der-lust.The Wanderlust has blest me . . . in a ragged blanket curled,
I've watched the gulf of Heaven foam with stars;
I've walked with eyes wide open to the wonder of the world,
I've seen God's flood of glory burst its bars.
I've seen the gold a-blinding in the riffles of the sky,
Till I fancied me a bloated plutocrat;
But I'm freedom's happy bond-slave, and I will be till I die,
And I've got to thank the Wanderlust for that.Wild heart, child heart, all of the world your home.
Glad heart, mad heart, what can you do but roam?
Oh, I'll beat it once more in the morning, boys,
With a pinch of tea and a crust;
For you cannot deny
When you hark to the cryOf the Wan-der-lust.The Wanderlust will claim me at the finish for its own.
I'll turn my back on men and face the Pole.
Beyond the Arctic outposts I will venture all alone;
Some Never-never Land will be my goal.
Thank God! there's none will miss me, for I've been a bird of flight;
And in my moccasins I'll take my call;
For the Wanderlust has ruled me,
And the Wanderlust has schooled me,
And I'm ready for the darkest trail of all.Grim land, dim land, oh, how the vastness calls!
Far land, star land, oh, how the stillness falls!
For you never can tell if it's heaven or hell,
And I'm taking the trail on trust;
But I haven't a doubt
That my soul will leap outOn its Wan-der-lust.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Wanderlust by Robert Service: A Journey Through Life and Nature
As I stumbled upon Robert Service's poem, "The Wanderlust," my mind was immediately drawn to the beauty and simplicity of its lines. The poem spoke to me in a way that only great literature can, taking me on a journey through the vastness of nature and the human experience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes and imagery that Service uses to convey his message of wanderlust and the yearning for something greater.
Background on Robert Service
Before we delve into the poem, let's take a moment to appreciate the man behind the words. Robert Service was a Scottish poet and novelist who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his works that were inspired by his time living in the Yukon Territory during the Klondike Gold Rush. His poems, such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew," have become quintessential pieces of Canadian literature.
Service's writing style was unique in that he wrote in a simple and accessible manner that appealed to the masses. He often used rhyme and meter, making his poems easy to memorize and recite. Service was also known for his ability to capture the essence of the human experience, exploring themes of adventure, love, death, and nature.
The Wanderlust: An Introduction
"The Wanderlust" is a poem that speaks to the human desire to explore and discover. The poem is divided into five stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of wanderlust. Service opens the poem with the line, "Oh, I have got a wondrous globe," immediately setting the tone for a journey that will take us across the world.
The first stanza speaks to the physical act of wandering, of traveling to far-off places and experiencing new things. Service writes, "I've tramped the endless out-of-way,/ And heard Dame Nature talking." Here, we see the speaker's appreciation for the natural world and his desire to immerse himself in it.
The second stanza explores the emotional aspect of wandering. Service writes, "I've felt the thrill of lonely lands,/ And paced the puny street." This stanza speaks to the idea that even in the midst of crowds, one can feel alone and disconnected. But in the vastness of nature, one can feel connected to something greater.
In the third stanza, Service delves into the philosophical implications of wanderlust. He writes, "I've sought in books the wisdom key,/ And cried for Freedom's grail." Here, the speaker acknowledges the human desire for knowledge and understanding, and the quest for personal freedom.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most poignant, as it speaks to the inevitable end of our journey through life. Service writes, "My feet are torn, my heart is worn,/ And sick with thoughts of home." Here, we see the speaker's acknowledgment that no matter how far we wander, we are bound to return home eventually. But that doesn't diminish the joy of the journey itself.
Finally, the fifth stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker acknowledges that no matter where he goes, his desire to wander will never be quenched. Service writes, "Oh, I must forth again, my dear,/ To seek for lands unknown." Here, we see the eternal nature of wanderlust, the idea that the journey is never truly over.
Themes and Imagery in The Wanderlust
One of the most prominent themes in "The Wanderlust" is the idea of adventure and exploration. Service explores this theme through his use of vivid imagery, describing the vastness of nature and the thrill of discovering new places. In the first stanza, for example, Service writes, "I've tramped the endless out-of-way,/ And heard Dame Nature talking." Here, the speaker describes the act of wandering as a way to connect with nature and experience its majesty.
Another theme that Service explores in the poem is the idea of personal freedom. In the third stanza, he writes, "I've sought in books the wisdom key,/ And cried for Freedom's grail." Here, we see the speaker's acknowledgment of the human desire for knowledge and understanding, and the quest for personal freedom. This theme is further explored in the second stanza, as the speaker describes the feeling of being alone even in the midst of crowds.
The imagery in "The Wanderlust" is perhaps its most striking feature. Service uses descriptive language to paint a picture of the natural world and the emotions that come with wandering. In the first stanza, for example, he writes, "I've seen the crimson eye of dawn/ Grow into golden day." Here, we see the beauty of the natural world, and the way that it can inspire awe and wonder in those who experience it.
Service's use of rhyme and meter is also worth noting. The poem has a simple ABAB rhyme scheme, with each stanza consisting of four lines. This makes the poem easy to memorize and recite, and gives it a sing-song quality that contributes to its overall charm and accessibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Wanderlust" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to the human desire for adventure, personal freedom, and connection with the natural world. Service's use of vivid imagery and simple language makes the poem accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. And while the poem was written over a century ago, its themes and messages are just as relevant today as they were then.
Service's legacy as a poet and storyteller lives on, and "The Wanderlust" is just one example of his ability to capture the essence of the human experience. As we journey through life, we are all wanderers in our own way, searching for something greater than ourselves. And in the pages of this poem, we can find solace and inspiration to continue on our own journeys, wherever they may lead.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Wanderlust: A Poem of Adventure and Freedom
Robert Service's "The Wanderlust" is a classic poem that captures the spirit of adventure and freedom. It is a celebration of the wanderer's life, the one who is always on the move, seeking new experiences and challenges. The poem is a call to all those who have the wanderlust in their hearts, urging them to follow their dreams and explore the world.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the wanderlust as a "strange disease" that infects the soul. It is a restlessness that cannot be cured, a longing for something more than the mundane routine of everyday life. The wanderlust is a powerful force that drives the wanderer to leave behind the comforts of home and venture out into the unknown.
The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with its vivid imagery and powerful language. The speaker describes the wanderer as a "vagabond" who is "drunk with the open road." The wanderer is a free spirit, unencumbered by the constraints of society. He is a rebel who refuses to be tied down by the expectations of others.
The second stanza continues the theme of freedom, with the speaker describing the wanderer as a "bird on the wing." The wanderer is a creature of the air, soaring above the earth and experiencing the world from a different perspective. He is a nomad who is at home wherever he goes, finding beauty and wonder in every corner of the world.
The third stanza introduces the idea of the wanderer as a storyteller. The wanderer has seen and experienced things that most people can only dream of, and he has a wealth of stories to share. He is a bard who can captivate an audience with his tales of adventure and danger. The wanderer is a living embodiment of the human spirit, always seeking new challenges and pushing the boundaries of what is possible.
The fourth stanza is a call to action, urging the reader to embrace the wanderlust and follow their dreams. The speaker asks, "Why should we stay at home and fret / When we might be free and roam?" The wanderer is a symbol of the human desire for freedom and adventure, and the poem encourages us to embrace that desire and live life to the fullest.
The final stanza is a celebration of the wanderer's life, with the speaker describing the wanderer as a "king of men." The wanderer is a hero who has faced the challenges of the world and emerged victorious. He is a symbol of the human spirit, a testament to the power of courage and determination.
Overall, "The Wanderlust" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of the human desire for freedom and adventure. It is a call to all those who have the wanderlust in their hearts, urging them to follow their dreams and explore the world. The poem is a celebration of the wanderer's life, a tribute to those who have the courage to leave behind the comforts of home and venture out into the unknown.
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