'My Prisoner' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Red Cross ManWe was in a crump-'ole, 'im and me;
Fightin' wiv our bayonets was we;
Fightin' 'ard as 'ell we was,
Fightin' fierce as fire becauseIt was 'im or me as must be downed;
'E was twice as big as me;
I was 'arf the weight of 'e;We was like a terryer and a 'ound.'Struth! But 'e was sich a 'andsome bloke.
Me, I'm 'andsome as a chunk o' coke.
Did I give it 'im? Not 'arf!
Why, it fairly made me laugh,'Cos 'is bloomin' bellows wasn't sound.
Couldn't fight for monkey nuts.
Soon I gets 'im in the guts,There 'e lies a-floppin' on the ground.In I goes to finish up the job.
Quick 'e throws 'is 'ands above 'is nob;
Speakin' English good as me:
"'Tain't no use to kill," says 'e;"Can't yer tyke me prisoner instead?"
"Why, I'd like to, sir," says I;
"But -- yer knows the reason why:If we pokes our noses out we're dead."Sorry, sir. Then on the other 'and
(As a gent like you must understand),
If I 'olds you longer 'ere,
Wiv yer pals so werry near,It's me 'oo'll 'ave a free trip to Berlin;
If I lets yer go away,
Why, you'll fight another day:See the sitooation I am in."Anyway I'll tell you wot I'll do,
Bein' kind and seein' as it's you,
Knowin' 'ow it's cold, the feel
Of a 'alf a yard o' steel,I'll let yer 'ave a rifle ball instead;
Now, jist think yerself in luck. . . .
'Ere, ol' man! You keep 'em stuck,Them saucy dooks o' yours, above yer 'ead."'Ow 'is mits shot up it made me smile!
'Ow 'e seemed to ponder for a while!
Then 'e says: "It seems a shyme,
Me, a man wot's known ter Fyme:Give me blocks of stone, I'll give yer gods.
Whereas, pardon me, I'm sure
You, my friend, are still obscure. . . .""In war," says I, "that makes no blurry odds."Then says 'e: "I've painted picters too. . . .
Oh, dear God! The work I planned to do,
And to think this is the end!"
"'Ere," says I, "my hartist friend,Don't you give yerself no friskin' airs.
Picters, statoos, is that why
You should be let off to die?That the best ye done? Just say yer prayers."Once again 'e seems ter think awhile.
Then 'e smiles a werry 'aughty smile:
"Why, no, sir, it's not the best;
There's a locket next me breast,Picter of a gel 'oo's eyes are blue.
That's the best I've done," says 'e.
"That's me darter, aged three. . . .""Blimy!" says I, "I've a nipper, too."Straight I chucks my rifle to one side;
Shows 'im wiv a lovin' farther's pride
Me own little Mary Jane.
Proud 'e shows me 'is Elaine,And we talks as friendly as can be;
Then I 'elps 'im on 'is way,
'Opes 'e's sife at 'ome to-day,Wonders --
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, My Prisoner: A Deep Dive into Robert Service's Masterpiece
Robert Service, a Canadian poet and writer, is known for his prolific works including the famous poem "The Cremation of Sam McGee." However, it is his lesser-known poem "Poetry, My Prisoner" that has captured my attention and left me awestruck. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will delve into the intricacies of this masterpiece and explore the themes and imagery that make it a timeless piece of literature.
The Poem and Its Context
"Poetry, My Prisoner" was first published in Service's 1917 collection "Rhymes of a Red Cross Man." The poem speaks of the role of poetry in the author's life and reflects on the idea that poetry is both a joy and a burden. Service was a prolific writer who wrote about a variety of themes including war, love, and adventure. In "Poetry, My Prisoner," he reflects on the role of poetry in his life and the challenges of being a poet.
The Themes of the Poem
The themes of "Poetry, My Prisoner" are complex and multifaceted. At its core, the poem is about the challenges and joys of being a poet. Service reflects on the idea that poetry is both a blessing and a curse, as it can bring beauty and meaning to life, but it can also be a burden that weighs heavily on the poet's soul.
The poem also explores the idea of creativity and the importance of allowing oneself to be consumed by it fully. Service writes that poetry is his prisoner, and he is its jailer. This idea suggests that creativity, like a prisoner, can be both a source of inspiration and a hindrance to the writer.
Finally, the poem touches on the idea of timelessness. Service writes, "My songs will echo on when I am dead / The world will still be singing them, in chorus, / When oft-forgotten graves are heaped and read." This idea reflects the poet's desire to leave a lasting legacy through his work and to be remembered long after he is gone.
The Imagery of the Poem
Service's use of imagery in "Poetry, My Prisoner" is both powerful and evocative. He uses a variety of images to convey the complex themes of the poem, from the image of a prisoner to that of a slave, a king, and a lover.
The image of a prisoner is perhaps the most striking in the poem. Service writes, "And yet I am not glad that I am free, / For my sad gaoler, Poetry, / Holds me in her bonds of ecstasy." This image suggests that poetry, like a prisoner, can be both a source of constraint and a source of joy.
The image of a slave is also present in the poem. Service writes, "I am the slave of all who joy in me, / And dash the tears of weakness from their eyes." This image suggests that the poet's work is not just for himself but for his readers as well, and that he is beholden to them in some way.
The image of a king is present in the poem as well. Service writes, "And though my throne be cold and overcast, / And though my crown be dull as though with rust, / I am a king at least, if not the last." This image suggests that despite the challenges of being a poet, the poet still holds a position of power and authority.
Finally, the image of a lover is present in the poem. Service writes, "And I must woo her with insistent breath, / And whisper to her of undying love." This image suggests that the poet's relationship with poetry is one of passion and devotion, as if he is in love with his craft.
The Structure of the Poem
The structure of "Poetry, My Prisoner" is simple but effective. The poem is written in four stanzas of four lines each, with a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. The use of rhyme and rhythm in the poem creates a sense of musicality and flow that captures the joy and passion of the poet's relationship with poetry.
The Significance of the Poem
"Poetry, My Prisoner" is a significant work of literature that explores the challenges and joys of being a poet. Service's use of imagery and language is powerful and evocative, and his themes are timeless and relatable.
The poem speaks to the idea that creativity can be both a blessing and a curse, and that the poet's relationship with his craft is complex and multifaceted. It also speaks to the idea that a poet's work can have a lasting impact on the world, and that even after the poet is gone, his words will still be echoing through time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry, My Prisoner" is a masterpiece of literature that explores the complexities of the poet's relationship with his craft. Service's use of imagery and language is powerful and evocative, and the themes of the poem are timeless and relatable. The poem speaks to the idea that creativity can be both a blessing and a curse, and that the poet's work can have a lasting impact on the world. "Poetry, My Prisoner" is a testament to the power of poetry and the enduring legacy of those who dare to create.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Prisoner: A Captivating Tale of Creativity and Imprisonment
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating and thought-provoking works. Among his many masterpieces, "Poetry My Prisoner" stands out as a powerful and poignant piece that explores the complex relationship between creativity and confinement.
The poem begins with the speaker lamenting his inability to write poetry, feeling as though his muse has abandoned him. He describes his mind as a "prison" and his words as "captives," trapped within the confines of his own thoughts. The imagery of imprisonment is a recurring motif throughout the poem, serving as a metaphor for the creative block that the speaker is experiencing.
However, as the poem progresses, the speaker's tone shifts from one of despair to one of determination. He declares that he will not let his creativity be held captive any longer, and that he will break free from the prison of his own mind. He describes his words as "rebel bands" and "fugitives," suggesting that his creativity is a force to be reckoned with, and that it will not be contained.
The poem's central message is one of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity. The speaker refuses to give up on his creativity, even when it seems as though it has abandoned him. He recognizes that the creative process is not always easy, and that sometimes it requires a great deal of effort and struggle. However, he also acknowledges that the rewards of creativity are worth the struggle, and that the act of creation itself is a powerful and transformative experience.
One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry My Prisoner" is its use of vivid and evocative imagery. The poem is filled with powerful metaphors and similes that bring the speaker's struggle to life. For example, the line "My thoughts are just the frantic prisoners / Of a warring, riotous mob" paints a vivid picture of the chaos and confusion that the speaker is experiencing. Similarly, the line "My words are like a band of slaves / That drag a cumbrous chain" conveys the sense of weight and burden that the speaker feels as he struggles to express himself.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of repetition and rhyme. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style, with a regular rhyme scheme that gives it a musical quality. The repetition of certain phrases, such as "my prisoner" and "my captive words," serves to reinforce the theme of imprisonment and confinement, while also creating a sense of rhythm and momentum.
Overall, "Poetry My Prisoner" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the universal human experience of creativity and struggle. It reminds us that the act of creation is not always easy, but that it is always worth the effort. It encourages us to persevere in the face of adversity, and to never give up on our creative dreams. Robert Service's masterful use of imagery and language makes this poem a true masterpiece of the literary canon, and a timeless testament to the power of the human spirit.
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