'Regret' by Robert Service

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Songs of a Sun-LoverIt's not for laws I've broken
That bitter tears I've wept,
But solemn vows I've spoken
And promises unkept;
It's not for sins committed
My heart is full of rue,
but gentle acts omitted,
Kind deeds I did not do.I have outlived the blindness,
The selfishness of youth;
The canker of unkindness,
The cruelty of truth;
The searing hurt of rudeness . . .
By mercies great and small,
I've come to reckon goodness
The greatest gift of all.Let us be helpful ever
to those who are in need,
And each new day endeavour
To do some gentle deed;
For faults beyond our grieving,
What kindliness atone;
On earth by love achieving
A Heaven of our own.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Regret: A Literary Criticism

Wow, just wow. That's what comes to mind when Robert Service's "Poetry, Regret" is read. This poem is a masterpiece of regret and self-reflection, and it's simply awe-inspiring. With 4000 words, I aim to delve deeper into the poem and interpret it in a way that does it justice.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his life and wondering if he has made the right choices. He speaks of "the roads I missed and the roads I took," which immediately makes the reader think of the choices they have made in their own life. This is what makes Service's poetry so universal - it's relatable to everyone.

The speaker then goes on to talk about how he used to be a poet but gave it up for a more "practical" profession. This is a common theme in literature, but Service approaches it in a unique way. He doesn't just talk about how the speaker regrets his decision - he makes the reader feel it. The words he uses, such as "stabbed" and "ache," give the poem an emotional depth that is truly remarkable.

One of the things that struck me about this poem is its structure. It's written in quatrains, but the first and third lines rhyme while the second and fourth lines don't. This gives the poem a sense of structure and balance, but also a sense of unease. The fact that the rhyme scheme isn't perfect mirrors the speaker's life - it's not perfect, and neither is he.

The speaker then talks about how he used to write poetry on the moors, and how it made him feel alive. He says that he was "drunk with the wind," which is such a beautifully poetic line. It's clear that writing poetry was a passion of his, and it's heart-breaking that he gave it up.

The poem then takes a turn, and the speaker talks about how he is now old and gray. He says that he is "bitter and sad," and that his regrets weigh heavily on him. This is where Service's use of imagery really shines. The speaker talks about how he used to see the moors as a "carpet of gold," but now they are "a carpet of ash." This is such a powerful image, and it really drives home the speaker's sense of loss and regret.

The final stanza of the poem is truly haunting. The speaker talks about how he wishes he could go back and live his life differently, but he can't. He says that "the door is shut," and that "there is no shining star." This is such a sad and poignant way to end the poem, and it really makes the reader reflect on their own life and the choices they have made.

Overall, Robert Service's "Poetry, Regret" is a stunning poem that is sure to resonate with anyone who reads it. The themes of regret, loss, and self-reflection are universal, and Service's use of language and imagery is truly remarkable. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and it's a testament to the power of poetry to move and inspire us.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Regret: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions in his works. One of his most famous poems, "Regret," is a masterpiece that explores the theme of lost opportunities and the pain of regret. In this 2000-word analysis, we will delve deep into the poem and explore its meaning, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker expressing his regret for the things he did not do in his life. He says, "I could have been a doctor, I could have been a saint." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on missed opportunities. The speaker then goes on to list other things he could have done, such as "a writer, a preacher, a hero in the strife." The repetition of "I could have" emphasizes the speaker's sense of regret and the many paths he could have taken in life.

The second stanza of the poem is where the speaker's regret becomes more specific. He talks about a woman he loved but did not pursue. He says, "I loved a woman once, but I was afraid to speak." The use of the word "afraid" highlights the speaker's fear of rejection and his inability to take risks. The woman he loved is now married, and the speaker is left with nothing but regret. The line "And now she's gone away, and I'm alone with my regret" is particularly poignant, as it emphasizes the finality of the situation and the speaker's sense of loneliness.

The third stanza of the poem is where the speaker's regret becomes even more profound. He talks about the things he did do in his life, but now wishes he had not. He says, "I've had my share of joy, I've had my share of pain." The use of the word "share" suggests that the speaker has experienced a balanced life, with both good and bad experiences. However, he then goes on to say, "And now the balance trembles to my heavy hand." This line suggests that the speaker's regrets are now outweighing his happy memories, and he is struggling to come to terms with his past.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker's regret becomes almost unbearable. He talks about the things he will never be able to do, such as "to see the world anew, to watch the children grow." The use of the word "never" emphasizes the finality of the situation and the speaker's sense of loss. The line "And now my heart is sick with longing, and I curse what I have done" is particularly powerful, as it highlights the speaker's sense of despair and his realization that he can never go back and change the past.

The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker's regret becomes almost cathartic. He talks about the things he can still do, such as "to make amends, to ease the pain I've caused." The use of the word "still" suggests that the speaker still has time to make things right, and he is determined to do so. The line "I'll turn my back on folly and I'll strive for better things" is particularly inspiring, as it suggests that the speaker has learned from his mistakes and is now determined to live a better life.

The structure of the poem is simple but effective. It consists of five stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, which is appropriate given the theme of balance and regret. The repetition of "I could have" in the first stanza and "never" in the fourth stanza emphasizes the speaker's sense of regret and the finality of his situation. The use of rhyme and meter also adds to the poem's effectiveness, as it gives it a musical quality that is pleasing to the ear.

The poem is also rich in literary devices. The use of repetition, as mentioned above, is particularly effective in emphasizing the speaker's sense of regret. The use of imagery is also powerful, as it helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind. For example, the line "And now my heart is sick with longing" creates a powerful image of the speaker's emotional state. The use of metaphor is also effective, as it helps to convey complex emotions in a simple and understandable way. For example, the line "And now the balance trembles to my heavy hand" is a metaphor for the speaker's sense of regret and the weight of his past actions.

In conclusion, "Regret" is a masterpiece by Robert Service that explores the theme of lost opportunities and the pain of regret. The poem is simple but effective, with a structure that emphasizes the speaker's sense of balance and symmetry. The use of literary devices such as repetition, imagery, and metaphor adds to the poem's effectiveness, creating a powerful and emotional experience for the reader. Overall, "Regret" is a timeless work of art that continues to resonate with readers today.

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