'Sailor's Sweetheart' by Robert Service


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Rhymes for My RagsHe sleeps beside me in the bed;
Upon my breast I hold his head;
Oh how I would that we were wed,For he sails in the morning.I wish I had not been so kind;
But love is fain and passion blind,
While out of sight is out of mind,And he ships in the morning.I feel his bairn stir in my womb;
Poor wee one, born to bitter doom;
How dreary dark will be the gloom,When he goes in the morning!A sailor lad has need to court
A loving lass in every port;
To him it's just a bit of sport . . .My heart-break's in the morning.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Sailor's Sweetheart": A Poem that Delves into the Depths of Love and Longing

Robert Service's "Sailor's Sweetheart" is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of anyone who has loved and longed for someone who is far away. The poem was originally published in Service's collection of poems titled "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man" in 1916, during World War I. Since its publication, "Sailor's Sweetheart" has become a beloved piece of poetry that captures the essence of love and longing in a way that few other poems can.

The Poem

The poem is written in the first person, as if the speaker is a sailor who is away from his sweetheart. The poem begins with the speaker expressing his desire to be back home with his sweetheart. He describes her as being the "fairest of the fair," and says that he longs to hold her in his arms once again. The speaker then goes on to describe the sea, and how it separates him from his love.

The second stanza is where the poem really takes off. The speaker describes the sea as being a "traitor," and says that it is constantly trying to keep him away from his sweetheart. He talks about how the sea is always rough and how it tosses his ship around like a toy. He says that the sea is "cold" and "unfeeling," and that it doesn't care about his love for his sweetheart.

The third stanza is where the poem takes a turn. The speaker talks about how he and his fellow sailors are always looking out for land, hoping to catch a glimpse of home. He says that when they do finally see land, it fills them with hope and joy. However, he also says that when they are far out to sea, they sometimes see "phantom ships" that disappear as quickly as they appear. He says that these phantom ships are a reminder of how far away they are from home, and how uncertain their fate is.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem is where the speaker expresses his deepest feelings for his sweetheart. He says that he would do anything to be back home with her, and that he would give up everything he has to make it happen. He says that his love for her is the only thing that keeps him going, and that he will never give up hope of seeing her again.

Interpretation

There are several themes that emerge from "Sailor's Sweetheart." The most obvious theme is that of love and longing. The speaker is clearly deeply in love with his sweetheart, and he longs to be back home with her. He describes her as being the "fairest of the fair," which suggests that he sees her as being the most beautiful and perfect person in the world. His love for her is so strong that he is willing to endure the hardships of life at sea, just so he can be with her again.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is that of fate and uncertainty. The speaker talks about how the sea is a "traitor" that is constantly trying to keep him away from his sweetheart. He also talks about how seeing phantom ships is a reminder of how uncertain his fate is. This theme reflects the reality of life for sailors during World War I. They were constantly at the mercy of the sea and the enemy, and their fate was often uncertain.

A third theme that emerges from the poem is that of hope. The speaker's love for his sweetheart is the one thing that keeps him going. He says that he will never give up hope of seeing her again. This theme reflects the resilience of the human spirit. Even in the face of adversity, people can find hope and strength in their love for others.

Literary Criticism

From a literary standpoint, "Sailor's Sweetheart" is a well-crafted poem that uses imagery and language to evoke strong emotions in the reader. The use of first-person narration helps to create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the speaker. The reader feels as if they are experiencing the same emotions as the speaker, which makes the poem more powerful.

The use of imagery is also effective in the poem. The descriptions of the sea as being a "traitor" and "cold" and "unfeeling" help to create a sense of isolation and loneliness. The image of the phantom ships is also effective in conveying the uncertainty of life at sea.

The language used in the poem is simple and straightforward, which makes it accessible to a wide audience. The rhyme scheme of the poem (ABAB) also helps to create a sense of rhythm and flow, which makes it easier to read and remember.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Sailor's Sweetheart" is a classic poem that speaks to the heart of anyone who has loved and longed for someone who is far away. The poem is well-crafted and uses imagery and language to evoke strong emotions in the reader. The themes of love, fate, uncertainty, and hope are all present in the poem, and they reflect the reality of life for sailors during World War I. Overall, "Sailor's Sweetheart" is a beautiful and poignant poem that continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sailor's Sweetheart: A Classic Tale of Love and Adventure

Robert Service's "Poetry Sailor's Sweetheart" is a classic poem that tells the story of a sailor's love for his sweetheart. The poem is a beautiful and romantic tale that captures the essence of love and adventure. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and symbolism.

The poem begins with the sailor's description of his sweetheart. He describes her as a "sweetheart of mine" who is "fair as a lily, and bright as a star." The sailor's love for his sweetheart is evident in his words, and he goes on to describe her beauty in great detail. He talks about her "golden hair," "rosy cheeks," and "eyes like the sea." The sailor's description of his sweetheart is not only romantic but also vivid and poetic.

The sailor then goes on to describe his adventures at sea. He talks about the storms he has faced, the waves he has ridden, and the dangers he has encountered. The sailor's love for his sweetheart is intertwined with his love for the sea. He describes the sea as his "mistress" and talks about how he has "wooed her with song and sail." The sailor's love for the sea is a central theme of the poem, and it is clear that he sees his adventures at sea as a way of expressing his love for his sweetheart.

The poem then takes a darker turn as the sailor talks about the dangers he has faced at sea. He talks about the "rocks and reefs" that have threatened to sink his ship and the "pirates and foes" that have tried to take his life. The sailor's love for his sweetheart is tested by these dangers, and he talks about how he has "fought and bled" for her. The sailor's love for his sweetheart is not just romantic but also heroic.

The poem then returns to the sailor's description of his sweetheart. He talks about how he longs to be with her and how he dreams of her every night. The sailor's love for his sweetheart is not just physical but also emotional. He talks about how she is his "heart's delight" and how he will "love her till the end of time."

The poem ends with the sailor's declaration of love for his sweetheart. He talks about how he will "sing her praises" and how he will "never forget her." The sailor's love for his sweetheart is eternal, and he sees her as the "queen of his heart." The poem ends on a romantic and hopeful note, with the sailor's love for his sweetheart shining through.

The imagery and symbolism in "Poetry Sailor's Sweetheart" are also worth exploring. The sea is a central symbol in the poem, representing both the sailor's love for his sweetheart and his adventures at sea. The sea is also a symbol of danger and uncertainty, representing the challenges that the sailor has faced in his life. The sailor's sweetheart is also a symbol of love and hope, representing the light that guides him through the darkness.

The poem's use of language is also noteworthy. Robert Service's use of vivid and poetic language creates a romantic and adventurous atmosphere. The sailor's description of his sweetheart is particularly poetic, with phrases like "fair as a lily" and "bright as a star" creating a vivid image of her beauty. The sailor's description of his adventures at sea is also poetic, with phrases like "wooed her with song and sail" creating a sense of romance and adventure.

In conclusion, "Poetry Sailor's Sweetheart" is a classic poem that captures the essence of love and adventure. The poem's themes of love, heroism, and adventure are intertwined, creating a romantic and adventurous atmosphere. The poem's use of imagery and symbolism adds depth and meaning to the poem, while Robert Service's use of language creates a vivid and poetic atmosphere. "Poetry Sailor's Sweetheart" is a timeless poem that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

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