'Montreal Maree' by Robert Service
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Songs of a Sun-LoverYou've heard of Belching Billy, likewise known as Windy Bill,
As punk a chunk of Yukon scum as ever robbed a sluice;
A satellite of Soapy Smith, a capper and a shill,
A slimy tribute-taker from the Ladies on the Loose.
But say, you never heard of how he aimed my gore to spill
(That big gorilla gunnin' for a little guy like me,)
A-howlin' like a malamute an' ravin' he would drill
Me full of holes and all because of Montreal Maree.Now Spike Mahoney's Bar was stiff with roarin' drunks,
And I was driftin' lonesome-like, scarce knowin' what to do,
So come I joined a poker game and dropped a hundred plunks,
And bein' broke I begged of Spike to take my I.O.U.
Says he: "Me lad, I'll help ye out, but let me make this clear:
If you you don't pay by New year's day your wage I'll garnishee."
So I was broodin' when I heard a whisper in my ear:
"What ees zee trouble, leetle boy?" said Montreal Maree.Now dance-hall gels is good and bad, but most is in between;
Yeh, some is scum and some is dumb, and some is just plumb cold;
But of straight-shootin' Dawson dames Maree was rated queen,
As pretty as a pansy, wi' a heart o' Hunker gold.
And so although I didn't know her more that passin' by,
I told how Spike would seek my Boss, and jobless I would be;
She listened sympathetic like: "Zut! Baby, don't you cry;
I lend to you zee hundred bucks," said Montreal Maree.Now though I zippered up my mug somehow the story spread
That I was playin' poker and my banker was Maree;
And when it got to Windy Bill, by Golly, he saw red,
And reachin' for his shootin' iron he started after me.
For he was batty for that babe and tried to fence her in.
And if a guy got in his way, say, he was set to kill;
So fortified with barbwire hooch and wickeder than sin;
"I'll plug that piker full of lead," exploded Windy Bill.That night, a hundred smackers saved, with joy I started out
To seek my scented saviour in her cabin on the hill;
But barely had I paid my debt, when suddenly a shout . . .
I peered from out the window, and behold! 'twas Windy Bill.
He whooped and swooped and raved and waved his gun as he drew near.
Now he was kickin' in the door, no time was there to flee;
No place to hide: my doom was sealed . . . then sotly in my ear:
"Quick! creep beneez my petticoat," said Montreal Maree.So pale as death I held my breath below that billowed skirt,
And a she sat I wondered at her voice so calm and clear;
Serene and still she spoke to Bill like he was so much dirt:
"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Montreal Maree: A Deep Dive into Robert Service's Classic Poetry
Have you ever read a poem that transported you to another time and place? A poem that evokes strong emotions and makes you feel as though you are living the experience yourself? Robert Service's poem, Montreal Maree, is one such work of art. Written in the early 20th century, this classic poem captures the essence of Montreal's bustling port and the lives of the sailors who worked there.
A Closer Look at Montreal Maree
Montreal Maree is a narrative poem that tells the story of a sailor named Pierre who longs to return home to his wife and family. The poem is set in Montreal, a city that was a hub for trade and commerce in the early 1900s. The first stanza of the poem sets the scene:
In fifteen-twenty, when the tide was turning,
And winds blew hard from off the sea,
I stood upon the deck discerning
A well-known headland on my lee.
From the very beginning, we are taken on a journey with Pierre as he stands on the deck of his ship, looking out at the shore. The use of the word "lee" creates a sense of disorientation, as though Pierre is adrift at sea and struggling to find his way. This feeling is further emphasized in the third stanza:
Oh, how the whistles whistled, whistled,
And how the bells did clang and ring!
The tugs and liners, how they jostled!
It was a mad and merry thing.
In these lines, we get a glimpse of the chaos and excitement of Montreal's port. The use of repetition and onomatopoeia creates a cacophony of sound, making the reader feel as though they are right in the middle of the action.
As the poem progresses, we learn more about Pierre's character and his longing to return home. He thinks of his wife, Marie, and wonders if she is thinking of him:
Does Marie muse upon me, wonder
If I'm alive, if I'm the same,
And if my love's as true and tender
As when across the fields we came?
These lines are particularly poignant, as they highlight the sacrifices that sailors make in order to provide for their families. The use of the word "muse" suggests a sort of daydreaming or longing, as though Marie is pining for Pierre just as much as he is pining for her.
The poem comes to a climactic end as Pierre's ship finally makes it to port. He is met by a group of young boys who run alongside the ship, shouting and cheering:
The wharf was black with swarming people,
And boys were shouting in the street,
And from the church's lofty steeple
The bells made music wild and sweet.
The use of contrast here is particularly striking. The chaos and noise of the port is juxtaposed with the sweet and peaceful sound of the church bells. This creates a sense of harmony and unity, as though the whole city is welcoming Pierre home.
Interpretation and Analysis
So, what does Montreal Maree mean? What is Robert Service trying to convey through this poem? At its core, Montreal Maree is a poem about longing and homecoming. It is about the sacrifices that sailors make in order to provide for their families, and the joy that comes with finally returning home.
One of the key themes in the poem is the idea of disorientation. Pierre is adrift at sea, unsure of his bearings and struggling to find his way. This feeling is mirrored in the chaos and noise of Montreal's port. However, as Pierre's ship finally makes it to shore, this feeling of disorientation is replaced by a sense of belonging and unity. The whole city comes together to welcome him home, creating a sense of harmony that is both beautiful and touching.
Another important theme is the idea of sacrifice. Pierre is willing to endure the hardships of life at sea in order to provide for his family. This is a common theme in many of Robert Service's poems, and speaks to the idea of duty and responsibility. Pierre's love for his wife and family is what drives him forward, even in the face of danger and adversity.
Finally, Montreal Maree is a poem about the power of community. The whole city comes together to welcome Pierre home, creating a sense of unity and belonging that is both powerful and inspiring. The use of repetition and onomatopoeia in the poem creates a sense of chaos and noise, but it is ultimately replaced by a sense of harmony as the city comes together to celebrate Pierre's return.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Montreal Maree is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the idea of longing, sacrifice, and homecoming. Robert Service's use of language and imagery creates a vivid picture of life at sea and the chaos of Montreal's port. It is a poem that transports the reader to another time and place, and leaves them with a deep sense of appreciation for the sacrifices that sailors make in order to provide for their families.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Montreal Maree: An Ode to the Sea
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his captivating and evocative works. One of his most celebrated poems is "Montreal Maree," a stirring tribute to the sea. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of this classic poem and explore its themes, imagery, and symbolism.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the sea, with Service painting a picture of the waves crashing against the shore. He uses powerful imagery to convey the sheer force of the sea, describing it as a "wild white stallion" and a "thundering herd." The use of animal imagery is particularly effective, as it helps to convey the untamed and unpredictable nature of the sea.
As the poem progresses, Service shifts his focus to the people who live and work by the sea. He describes the fishermen who brave the waves in search of their catch, and the sailors who navigate the treacherous waters. He also touches on the role of the sea in the lives of those who live by it, describing it as a "lover" who can be both gentle and fierce.
One of the most striking aspects of "Montreal Maree" is the way in which Service uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings. For example, the sea is often used as a metaphor for life itself, with its ebbs and flows representing the ups and downs that we all experience. The poem also touches on the theme of mortality, with Service describing the sea as a "grim reaper" that claims the lives of those who venture too far.
Another key theme of the poem is the idea of human resilience in the face of adversity. Service celebrates the courage and determination of those who make their living by the sea, describing them as "men of iron" who are unafraid of the dangers that lie ahead. He also touches on the idea of community, with the fishermen and sailors working together to overcome the challenges that they face.
In terms of structure, "Montreal Maree" is a free verse poem, with no set rhyme or meter. This allows Service to experiment with different rhythms and cadences, creating a sense of movement and fluidity that mirrors the ebb and flow of the sea. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, with certain phrases and images recurring throughout the text. This helps to reinforce the central themes of the poem and create a sense of unity and coherence.
In conclusion, "Montreal Maree" is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the sea. Through his use of vivid imagery, symbolism, and themes, Robert Service creates a work that is both timeless and universal. Whether you live by the sea or simply appreciate its power and mystery, this poem is sure to resonate with you on a deep and emotional level.
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