'Old Codger' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsOf garden truck he made his fare,As his bright eyes bore witness;
Health was his habit and his care,His hobby human fitness.
He sang the praise of open sky,The gladth of Nature's giving;
And when at last he came to dieIt was of too long living.He held aloof from hate and strife,Drank peace in dreamful doses;
He never voted in his life,Loved children, dogs and roses.
Let tyrants romp in gory glee,And revolutions roister,
He passed his days as peacefullyAs friar in a cloister.So fellow sinners, should you chooseOf doom to be a dodger,
At eighty be a bland recluseLike this serene old codger,
Who turned his back on fear and fret,And died nigh eighty-seven . . .
His name was--Robert Service: letUs hope he went to Heaven
Editor 1 Interpretation
Analysis of Robert Service's "Old Codger"
Robert Service was a master of the ballad form, and one of his most beloved poems is "Old Codger." This poem is a tribute to the power of memory, and it captures the essence of what it means to grow old. In this essay, we will analyze and interpret "Old Codger," looking at its themes, its structure, and its language. By doing so, we will gain a deeper understanding of what makes this poem so special.
Themes
"Old Codger" is a poem about the passage of time and the inevitability of aging. The poem's speaker is an old man who is reflecting on his life and the memories he has accumulated over the years. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the old man's life.
The first stanza describes the old man's youth, when he was "whistling, bright and early, with the birds in every tree." The second stanza describes his middle age, when he was "working like the devil, never taking time to think." Finally, the third stanza describes his old age, when he has time to reflect on his life and the memories he has accumulated.
The poem's central theme is the power of memory. The old man's memories are a source of comfort and joy for him, and they allow him to relive the happy moments of his life. However, the poem also acknowledges the pain that comes with memory. The old man remembers loved ones who have passed away, and he knows that his own time is running out.
Structure
The structure of "Old Codger" is simple and straightforward. The poem consists of three stanzas, each of which has four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with each line consisting of eight syllables.
The simplicity of the poem's structure is reflective of the old man's life. He has lived a simple life, without any great accomplishments or grand adventures. However, this simplicity is also what makes his memories so powerful. The memories are not about grand events or great achievements, but about small moments of happiness and contentment.
Language
The language of "Old Codger" is simple and direct, yet it is also full of emotion and imagery. Service uses vivid descriptions to bring the old man's memories to life. For example, in the first stanza, the old man remembers "kissing Mary in the orchard, with the sun upon her hair." This image is simple, yet it is full of emotion and meaning.
Service also uses repetition to emphasize the poem's themes. The phrase "I'm an old codger now" is repeated three times, emphasizing the old man's age and the inevitability of the passage of time.
Finally, Service uses a number of literary devices to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, he uses alliteration in the phrase "whistling, bright and early," and he uses anaphora in the repetition of the phrase "I'm an old codger now."
Interpretation
"Old Codger" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of what it means to grow old. The poem's themes of memory and the passage of time are universal, and they are relevant to readers of all ages.
The poem's simple structure and language are reflective of the old man's life, and they create a sense of intimacy and familiarity. The old man's memories are not grand or heroic, but they are nonetheless powerful and meaningful.
In the end, "Old Codger" is a tribute to the power of memory and the importance of cherishing the small moments of happiness in life. It is a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of the time we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Old Codger: A Timeless Classic
If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have heard of Robert Service, the famous Canadian poet who wrote some of the most memorable poems of the 20th century. One of his most famous works is the poem "Poetry Old Codger," which has stood the test of time and remains a classic to this day. In this article, we will analyze and explain this timeless masterpiece in detail.
The poem "Poetry Old Codger" is a satirical take on the world of poetry and poets. The speaker of the poem is an old man who has been writing poetry for a long time. He is a self-proclaimed expert on the subject and has a lot of opinions about what makes good poetry. The poem is written in a conversational tone, as if the old man is talking directly to the reader.
The poem begins with the old man introducing himself and his love for poetry. He talks about how he has been writing poetry for over fifty years and how he has seen the world of poetry change over time. He then goes on to criticize the modern poets who he feels are not up to the mark. He says that they lack the passion and the skill that the poets of his time had.
The old man then goes on to give some advice to the young poets. He tells them to read the classics and to learn from the masters. He also advises them to write from the heart and to be true to themselves. He says that poetry is not about impressing others but about expressing oneself.
The poem then takes a humorous turn as the old man starts to talk about his own poetry. He says that his poetry is not for everyone and that it is not meant to be understood by the masses. He says that his poetry is for the select few who have the intelligence and the taste to appreciate it. He then goes on to recite one of his poems, which is full of obscure references and difficult language.
The poem ends with the old man saying that he is not interested in fame or fortune. He says that he writes poetry for the love of it and that he will continue to do so until the day he dies. He then bids farewell to the reader, leaving them with the message that poetry is a noble art that should be cherished and respected.
The poem "Poetry Old Codger" is a masterpiece of satire and humor. It pokes fun at the world of poetry and the pretensions of some poets. The old man in the poem represents the traditional view of poetry, which values skill and passion over fame and fortune. He is a character who is both endearing and amusing, and his advice to the young poets is both wise and practical.
The poem also has a deeper message about the nature of art. It suggests that art should not be judged by its popularity or its commercial success but by its intrinsic value. The old man's poetry may not be popular, but it is still valuable because it is a reflection of his own unique perspective and experience.
In conclusion, "Poetry Old Codger" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. It is a humorous and satirical take on the world of poetry that also has a deeper message about the nature of art. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his skill and his insight. If you haven't read it yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
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