'Milking Time' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Red Cross ManThere's a drip of honeysuckle in the deep green lane;
There's old Martin jogging homeward on his worn old wain;
There are cherry petals falling, and a cuckoo calling, calling,
And a score of larks (God bless 'em) . . . but it's all pain, pain.
For you see I am not really there at all, not at all;
For you see I'm in the trenches where the crump-crumps fall;
And the bits o' shells are screaming and it's only blessed dreaming
That in fancy I am seeming back in old Saint Pol.Oh I've thought of it so often since I've come down here;
And I never dreamt that any place could be so dear;
The silvered whinstone houses, and the rosy men in blouses,
And the kindly, white-capped women with their eyes spring-clear.
And mother's sitting knitting where her roses climb,
And the angelus is calling with a soft, soft chime,
And the sea-wind comes caressing, and the light's a golden blessing,
And Yvonne, Yvonne is guessing that it's milking time.Oh it's Sunday, for she's wearing of her broidered gown;
And she draws the pasture pickets and the cows come down;
And their feet are powdered yellow, and their voices honey-mellow,
And they bring a scent of clover, and their eyes are brown.
And Yvonne is dreaming after, but her eyes are blue;
And her lips are made for laughter, and her white teeth too;
And her mouth is like a cherry, and a dimple mocking merry
Is lurking in the very cheek she turns to you.So I walk beside her kindly, and she laughs at me;
And I heap her arms with lilac from the lilac tree;
And a golden light is welling, and a golden peace is dwelling,
And a thousand birds are telling how it's good to be.
And what are pouting lips for if they can't be kissed?
And I've filled her arms with blossom so she can't resist;
And the cows are sadly straying, and her mother must be saying
That Yvonne is long delaying . . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
Milking Time: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
By Robert Service
Are you a lover of poetry or just an admirer? Are you someone who appreciates the beauty of words and the power of imagery? If so, then you wouldn't want to miss a chance to read Robert Service's "Milking Time," a classic piece of poetry that captures the essence of rural life.
In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll delve into the rich text of "Milking Time," exploring its themes, literary elements, and historical context.
Historical Context
Before we dive into the poem itself, let's first take a moment to consider the historical context in which it was written. Robert Service, born in 1874, was a Scottish-Canadian poet who gained fame for his ballads and other poems that celebrated the ruggedness of the Canadian frontier. "Milking Time" was published in 1912, during a time when Canada was rapidly becoming industrialized and urbanized.
Despite this trend, however, rural life remained an important part of Canadian culture. The poem captures this rural tradition, focusing on the daily routine of milking cows on a farm. This theme was particularly relevant in the early 20th century, when farming was still a common way of life for many Canadians.
Themes
One of the most prominent themes in "Milking Time" is the idea of routine and the comforting familiarity it brings. The poem describes the daily ritual of milking cows in detail, from the sounds of the cows to the actions of the farmer. The repetition of this routine creates a sense of stability and order in the otherwise unpredictable and chaotic world.
Another important theme in the poem is the connection between humans and animals. The cows are personified, given human-like qualities such as "lowing" and "gazing." The farmer, meanwhile, is shown to have a deep understanding and respect for his animals, as evidenced by his gentle care of them during the milking process.
Finally, "Milking Time" also touches on the idea of hard work and its rewards. The farmer is shown to be diligent and dedicated, working tirelessly to care for his cows and provide for his family. His efforts are rewarded with a sense of satisfaction and the knowledge that his work is essential.
Literary Elements
One of the most striking literary elements in "Milking Time" is its use of imagery. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions that create a sense of place and atmosphere. For example, the line "The cattle knee-deep in a pool of gold" creates a strong mental image of the sun setting over the fields.
Another important literary element is the poem's use of personification. The cows are given human-like qualities that make them seem almost like characters in their own right. For example, the line "The cows they chew with a rhythmic beat" suggests a kind of musicality to their movements.
Finally, "Milking Time" also makes use of rhyme and rhythm to create a sense of musicality and flow. The poem's regular rhythm and rhyming couplets give it a sing-song quality that makes it easy to remember and recite.
Interpretation
So what does "Milking Time" mean? Ultimately, the poem is a celebration of the simple pleasures of rural life. Through its vivid imagery and personification of the cows, it creates a sense of connection between humans and animals that is both comforting and inspiring.
At the same time, however, the poem also acknowledges the hard work and dedication required to maintain this way of life. The farmer is shown to be a diligent and dedicated worker, whose efforts are essential to the well-being of his family and his animals.
Overall, "Milking Time" is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the essence of rural life in early 20th century Canada. Its themes of routine, connection, and hard work are as relevant today as they were more than a century ago, making it a timeless classic that will continue to inspire and delight readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Milking Time: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you are a fan of poetry, then you must have come across the name Robert Service. He is one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, and his works have been read and loved by millions of people around the world. One of his most famous poems is "Milking Time," which is a beautiful and evocative piece that captures the essence of rural life in the early 1900s.
The poem is set on a farm, and it describes the daily routine of the farmer and his family. The first stanza sets the scene, with the speaker describing the "drowsy tinklings" of the cowbells as the cows make their way to the milking shed. The imagery here is vivid and evocative, and it immediately transports the reader to the farm, where they can almost hear the gentle clanging of the bells.
The second stanza introduces the farmer, who is described as "tall and gaunt and gray." He is a hardworking man, who rises early every morning to tend to his animals. The speaker describes how the farmer "stoops to stroke a cat," which is a lovely detail that adds to the overall sense of warmth and homeliness in the poem.
The third stanza introduces the farmer's wife, who is described as "plump and rosy-cheeked." She is also hardworking, and she is busy preparing breakfast for the family. The speaker describes how she "bustles to and fro," and the imagery here is once again vivid and evocative.
The fourth stanza describes the milking process itself. The cows are milked by hand, and the speaker describes how the milk "spatters in the pail." This is a lovely detail that adds to the overall sense of realism in the poem. The speaker also describes how the cows "chew and chew and chew," which is a nice touch that adds to the overall sense of peacefulness and contentment in the scene.
The fifth stanza describes the end of the milking process, with the cows making their way back to the fields. The speaker describes how the farmer "shuts the shed door tight," which is a nice detail that adds to the overall sense of closure in the poem.
The final stanza is perhaps the most evocative of all. The speaker describes how the farmer and his wife "sit down to bread and cheese," and how they "chat and smoke and rest." This is a lovely image that captures the essence of rural life in the early 1900s. The poem ends with the speaker describing how the farmer and his wife "smile and nod and say no more," which is a beautiful way to end the poem.
Overall, "Milking Time" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of rural life in the early 1900s. The imagery is vivid and evocative, and the poem is full of lovely details that add to the overall sense of warmth and homeliness. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his skill as a poet. If you haven't read "Milking Time" yet, then you are missing out on one of the most beautiful poems of the 20th century.
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