'Second Childhood' by Robert Service

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Rhymes for My RagsWhen I go on my morning walk,Because I'm mild,
If I be in the mood to talkI choose a child.
I'd rather prattle with a lassOf tender age
Than converse in the high-brow classWith college sage.I love the touch of silken handThat softly clings;
In old of age I understandLife's little things.
I love the lisp of tiny tongueAnd trusting eyes;
These are the joys that keep me youngAs daylight dies.For as to second childhood IDraw gently near,
With happy heart I see the whyChildren are dear.
So wise Professor, go your way,--I am beguiled
To wistful loving by the gayLaugh of a child.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Second Childhood: A Masterpiece of Nostalgia and Irony

If there's one poem that captures the essence of childhood in a masterful way, it's Robert Service's "Second Childhood". In this piece, Service takes us back to the days of our youth, when we could play all day and the world seemed like a magical place. But he also reminds us that those days are gone forever, and that we can never go back to them.

The Poem's Structure and Form

"Second Childhood" is a poem that consists of six stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme pattern is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that is appropriate for a poem about childhood. The poem is written in the first person, which allows the reader to identify with the narrator and feel the emotions that he is experiencing.

The poem's structure is simple, but effective. Each stanza focuses on a different aspect of childhood, from playing games to dreaming about the future. The final stanza, however, brings the poem back to reality, reminding us that childhood is a fleeting thing and that we must cherish it while we can.

The Poem's Imagery

One of the things that makes "Second Childhood" such a powerful poem is its use of vivid imagery. Service paints a picture of childhood that is both nostalgic and bittersweet. He describes the "rusty swing" that "creaked and groaned" as the children played on it, the "lollipop tree" that was "as sweet as sweet could be", and the "goblin gold" that the children searched for in the garden.

By using such concrete and specific images, Service is able to evoke the sense of wonder and magic that we all felt as children. But he also reminds us that those things are gone forever, and that we can never go back to that time.

The Poem's Themes

There are several themes that run throughout "Second Childhood". One of the most prominent is the idea of nostalgia. Service is clearly looking back on his own childhood with fondness, and he encourages us to do the same. He reminds us that childhood is a time of innocence and wonder, and that we should try to hold onto those qualities as we grow older.

But there is also a sense of irony in the poem. While Service is nostalgic for his childhood, he also recognizes that it is a thing of the past. He can never go back to those days, no matter how much he might want to. This irony is what gives the poem its emotional power. It is a reminder that we must cherish the present, because it will soon be gone.

The Poem's Historical Context

"Second Childhood" was written in the early 20th century, at a time when the world was undergoing significant changes. The Industrial Revolution had brought about great advances in technology and science, but it had also led to social and economic upheaval. Many people were struggling to adapt to the new world, and there was a sense of loss and nostalgia for a simpler time.

Service's poem can be seen as a response to this sense of nostalgia. He is not trying to romanticize the past, but rather to acknowledge its importance and to encourage people to hold onto the qualities that made their childhoods so special.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Second Childhood" is a masterpiece of nostalgia and irony. Through its vivid imagery and simple structure, it captures the essence of childhood in a way that is both nostalgic and bittersweet. The poem's themes of nostalgia and the fleeting nature of childhood are as relevant today as they were when the poem was written. It is a reminder that we must cherish the present, because it will soon be gone.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, stir up memories, and transport us to different worlds. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers is "Second Childhood" by Robert Service. This classic poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the joys and sorrows of growing old.

Robert Service was a Canadian poet and writer who gained fame for his poems about the Yukon Gold Rush. However, "Second Childhood" is a departure from his usual themes and is a reflection on the universal experience of aging. The poem was first published in 1916 in his collection of poems titled "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man."

The poem begins with the line, "When I go on my morning walk," which immediately sets the scene for the reader. The speaker is an elderly person who is taking a walk, and as they walk, they observe the world around them. The first stanza describes the beauty of nature, with the speaker admiring the "dewy grass" and the "rosy sky." However, the second stanza takes a darker turn, as the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of death.

The line "I'm nearing the end of my earthly span" is a powerful reminder that life is fleeting, and we must cherish every moment. The speaker then goes on to describe how they feel like a child again, with their "heart a-thrill" and their "spirit free." This is the first mention of the poem's title, "Second Childhood," and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The third stanza is a reflection on the joys of childhood, with the speaker reminiscing about the "days of yore" when they were young and carefree. The line "I'm back in the land of Let's Pretend" is a beautiful metaphor for the way in which we can escape the realities of life through our imagination. The speaker then goes on to describe how they feel like a child again, with their "heart a-thrill" and their "spirit free." This is the first mention of the poem's title, "Second Childhood," and it sets the tone for the rest of the poem.

The fourth stanza is a reflection on the sorrows of old age, with the speaker acknowledging that their body is no longer as strong as it once was. The line "I'm stiff in the joints and I'm short of breath" is a powerful reminder that aging is not always easy. However, the speaker then goes on to describe how they have found a new sense of freedom in their old age. They no longer feel the need to conform to society's expectations, and they can be themselves without fear of judgment.

The final stanza is a reflection on the beauty of life, with the speaker acknowledging that even though they are nearing the end of their life, they still have so much to be grateful for. The line "I'm glad that I live, am I glad that I'm done" is a powerful reminder that life is a gift, and we should cherish every moment.

Overall, "Second Childhood" is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the joys and sorrows of growing old. Robert Service's use of metaphors and imagery creates a vivid picture of the speaker's experience, and his words evoke a range of emotions in the reader. The poem is a reminder that even though we may grow old, we can still find joy and freedom in our lives. It is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.

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