'The Pigeons Of St. Marks' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a RoughneckSomething's wrong in Pigeon-land;
'Tisn't as it used to be,
When the pilgrim, corn in hand,
Courted us with laughing glee;
When we crooned with pinions furled,
Tamest pigeons in the world.When we packed each arm and shoulder,
Never deeming man a menace;
Surly birds were never bolder
Than our dainty doves of Venice:
Who would have believed a pigeon
Could become wild as a widgeon.Well, juts blame it on the War,
When Venetians grew thinner,
And gaunt hands would grab us for
Succulence to serve a dinner . . .
How our numbers fast grew fewer,
As we perished on a skewer.Pa and Mummie went like that,
So when tourist takes his stand,
On his Borsolino hat
Soft as whispered love I land;
Then with cooing liquid vowels
I . . . evacuate my bowls.Something's wrong in Pigeon-land;
Mankind we no longer trust;
Shrinking from the tendered hand,
pick we corn from out the dust;
While on guileless pilgrim pate,
Thinking that revenge is sweet,
Soft I croon my hymn of hate,
Drop my tribute and retreat.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Pigeons of St. Marks: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you looking for a poem that will take you on a journey through the winding streets of Venice, Italy? Look no further than Robert Service's "The Pigeons of St. Marks." This classic poem is a joy to read, filled with vivid imagery and poignant themes that will stay with you long after you've finished.

Background

First published in 1912, "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is one of Robert Service's most famous poems. Service was a Scottish-born poet and writer who achieved great popularity during the early 20th century. He is known for his poems about the Yukon Gold Rush, as well as his many books of verse.

"The Pigeons of St. Marks" is set in Venice, Italy, and is told from the perspective of a man watching the pigeons in St. Mark's Square. The poem explores themes of freedom, beauty, and mortality, and is written in Service's trademark style of simple, yet powerful, language.

Analysis

The poem opens with the speaker observing the pigeons in St. Mark's Square, describing them as a "feathered, flapping, wheeling cloud" that embodies the spirit of freedom. The pigeons are described as being "wild with wings" and "bold with beaks," suggesting that they are not domesticated or tamed in any way.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the beauty of Venice, describing the city as a "marble dream" that is "magic and mystery." He notes that even the "stones of Venice" seem to have a life of their own, and that the city is alive with the "dance of light."

Despite the beauty of the city, however, the poem is tinged with a sense of melancholy. The speaker notes that the pigeons will one day "fall like hail" and that the "stones of Venice" will crumble and decay. He reflects on the fleeting nature of beauty and the inevitability of death, suggesting that even the most beautiful things in life are ultimately temporary.

The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that he too will one day die, but that he will do so with the knowledge that he has lived a life of freedom and beauty. He declares that he will be "satisfied to go" knowing that he has experienced the wonder and magic of Venice, and that he has lived a life true to himself.

Interpretation

At its core, "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a poem about the nature of beauty and the fleeting nature of life. The speaker is struck by the beauty of the pigeons and the city of Venice, but is also keenly aware that this beauty will not last forever. He reflects on the transitory nature of life and the inevitability of death, suggesting that even the most beautiful things in life are ultimately temporary.

However, the speaker also finds solace in the knowledge that he has lived a life of freedom and beauty. He is not resigned to his mortality, but instead embraces it as a natural part of life. He sees death not as an end, but as a continuation of the cycle of life and the beauty that it contains.

In this way, "The Pigeons of St. Marks" can be seen as a celebration of life and the beauty that can be found within it. The poem encourages us to embrace the fleeting nature of life and to live our lives with a sense of freedom and wonder, knowing that even in death, we can find beauty and meaning.

Conclusion

"The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a truly beautiful poem that captures the essence of Venice and the transitory nature of life. Robert Service's simple yet powerful language and vivid imagery create a world that is both magical and melancholy, inviting the reader on a journey through the winding streets of Venice and the complexities of the human experience.

Through the speaker's reflections on the beauty of Venice and the inevitability of death, the poem encourages us to embrace life and live it to the fullest. It reminds us that even in the face of mortality, there is beauty to be found, and that the memories of the moments we've lived will continue to inspire and sustain us long after we are gone.

So if you're looking for a poem that will take you on a journey through the streets of Venice and leave you with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of life, look no further than Robert Service's "The Pigeons of St. Marks."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Pigeons of St. Marks: A Poetic Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a poetry enthusiast, you must have come across Robert Service's "The Pigeons of St. Marks." This classic poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life in Venice, Italy, and the beauty of the city's iconic St. Mark's Square. In this article, we will take a closer look at this poem and explore its themes, literary devices, and historical context.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the pigeons of St. Marks, which are a common sight in the square. Service paints a picture of these birds as they flutter and coo, creating a sense of peace and tranquility in the bustling city. He writes:

"The pigeons of St. Mark's Are dear to the Venetian heart, For they are fat and saucy, And have a wondrous art Of snatching dainties from the hands Of children young and old, And never fail to understand A kindness or a scold."

Service's use of imagery is remarkable in this stanza. He personifies the pigeons, giving them human-like qualities such as being "saucy" and having a "wondrous art." He also describes their behavior, which is both endearing and mischievous. The pigeons are portrayed as opportunistic creatures that know how to get what they want, even from the hands of children.

The second stanza of the poem takes a darker turn as Service describes the pigeons' fate during the city's annual carnival. He writes:

"But when the days of carnival Draw near to their release, Then all the feathered revellers Are captured for the feast; And in the pots of Venice town A pigeon-pie is made, And all the gastronomers Are happy with the trade."

Here, Service contrasts the pigeons' carefree existence with the harsh reality of their fate during the carnival. The pigeons, which were once beloved by the Venetians, are now captured and turned into pies. Service's use of irony is evident in this stanza, as the same people who once fed and cared for the pigeons are now consuming them.

The third stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the city's history and its famous landmarks. Service writes:

"The Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto, The gondolas, and the moon, All these I saw before I slept, And dreamed that they were true; But when I woke it was not so, For still the pigeons dozed, Perched on the Gothic window-sills, In the misty morn disclosed."

In this stanza, Service uses a dream-like quality to describe the city's landmarks. He mentions the Bridge of Sighs, the Rialto, and the gondolas, which are all iconic symbols of Venice. However, he also acknowledges that his dream was not entirely true, as the pigeons were still present in the city, reminding him of the harsh reality of life.

The final stanza of the poem brings the focus back to the pigeons and their role in the city's culture. Service writes:

"Thus I beheld the pigeons Of St. Mark's Square in Venice, A bird that knows no borders, A bird that has no fence; A bird that knows no politics, A bird that knows no war, A bird that knows no sorrow, A bird that knows no more."

In this stanza, Service celebrates the pigeons' freedom and their ability to transcend the boundaries of human society. He portrays them as creatures that are free from the constraints of politics, war, and sorrow. The pigeons are a symbol of peace and harmony, reminding us of the beauty of life and the importance of living in the moment.

In terms of literary devices, Service uses a variety of techniques to create a vivid and engaging poem. He employs imagery, personification, irony, and symbolism to convey his message. His use of rhyme and meter also adds to the poem's musical quality, making it a pleasure to read aloud.

Historically, the poem is significant as it captures the essence of life in Venice during the early 20th century. Service visited Venice in 1908 and was inspired by the city's beauty and culture. His poem reflects the city's unique blend of history, art, and cuisine, as well as its famous landmarks and traditions.

In conclusion, "The Pigeons of St. Marks" is a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of life in Venice and celebrates the beauty of the city's iconic square. Service's use of literary devices and vivid imagery creates a powerful and engaging poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of life and to inspire us to appreciate the beauty of the world around us.

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