'Erico' by Robert Service


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Rhymes for My RagsOh darling Eric, why did you
For my fond affection sue,
And then with surgeons artful aid
Transform yourself into a maid?
So now in petticoats you go
And people call you Erico.Sometimes I wonder if they can
Change me in turn into a man;
Then after all we might get wed
And frolic on a feather bed:
Although I do not see how we
Could ever have a family.Oh dear! Oh dear! It's so complex.
Why must they meddle with our sex.
My Eric was a handsome 'he,'
But now he--oh excuse me--she
Informs me that I must forget
I was his blond Elizabet.Alas! These scientists of Sweden
I curse, who've robbed me of my Eden;
Who with their weird hormones inhuman
Can make a man into a woman.
Alas, poor Eric! . . . Erico
I wish you were in Jerico.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Erico: A Poem of Enduring Love and Devotion

Robert Service's Erico is a timeless masterpiece that captures the essence of true love and devotion. With its powerful imagery, vivid descriptions, and emotive language, this poem takes us on a journey through the joys and sorrows of a passionate relationship, revealing the depth of human emotion and the enduring power of love.

At its core, Erico is a love poem that celebrates the beauty and complexity of human relationships. It tells the story of a man named Erico, who is deeply in love with a woman named Lottie. From the very beginning, Service draws us into Erico's world, painting a vivid picture of his love for Lottie and his deep commitment to her:

Erico loved Lottie with all his heart, She was his joy and his pride, And he swore by the stars above them, He'd love her till he died.

These lines are more than mere words on a page - they are a window into the soul of a man who is consumed by love. Service's use of poetic language and imagery here is especially powerful, as he paints a portrait of a man so deeply in love that he would die for his beloved.

Service's use of imagery is also evident in the way he describes Erico's devotion to Lottie. For example, he writes:

He'd watch her hair in the sunlight, And her eyes in the candle-light glow, And he'd swear by the stars above them, That he'd never let her go.

Here, Service uses the imagery of sunlight and candlelight to illustrate the beauty and allure of Lottie. By using these images, he not only captures the physical beauty of Lottie, but also the emotional connection that Erico feels towards her.

In addition to its use of imagery, Erico is also a poem that explores the complexities of human emotion. Throughout the poem, Service takes us on a rollercoaster of emotions, from the heights of passion and love to the depths of despair and heartbreak. For example, he writes:

And sometimes he'd be so happy, He'd laugh till he cried, And sometimes he'd be so lonely, He'd wish that he had died.

These lines capture the emotional intensity of Erico's love for Lottie. They reveal a man who is deeply passionate and deeply vulnerable, and who feels every emotion with intensity.

Service's use of language in Erico is also remarkable. His writing is emotive and powerful, and he has a way of capturing the essence of human emotion in a way that is both raw and subtle. For example, he writes:

And he knew that he'd never forget her, Wherever his footsteps would roam, For she was the light of his heaven, And the star of his earthly home.

These lines capture the essence of Erico's love for Lottie, as well as his deep longing for her. Service's use of poetic language here is especially powerful, as he creates a sense of longing and desire that is palpable.

One of the most remarkable things about Erico is the way that it captures the enduring power of love. Despite the ups and downs of Erico's relationship with Lottie, his love for her never fades. This is evident in lines such as:

And no matter how far he wandered, And no matter where he would roam, He'd always be true to his Lottie, And his heart would always be home.

These lines capture the sense of devotion and commitment that Erico feels towards Lottie, as well as the enduring nature of their love.

Overall, Erico is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of true love and devotion. With its powerful imagery, vivid descriptions, and emotive language, this poem is a testament to the enduring power of human emotion, and a tribute to the beauty and complexity of human relationships. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply a lover of evocative writing, Erico is a must-read for anyone who wants to explore the depths of human emotion and the enduring power of love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a powerful medium that can evoke emotions, inspire change, and capture the essence of the human experience. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Erico" by Robert Service. This classic poem tells the story of a brave and noble dog who sacrifices his life to save his master. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of "Erico" and why it continues to resonate with readers today.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the Alaskan wilderness, where the story takes place. Service paints a picture of a harsh and unforgiving landscape, where only the strongest and most resilient creatures can survive. This sets the stage for the heroism that is to come, as we are introduced to Erico, a loyal and fearless sled dog.

The first stanza of the poem establishes Erico's character and his bond with his master. We learn that Erico is a "wolf-dog" with "eyes of flame," suggesting his wild and untamed nature. However, he is also "gentle as a lamb" with his master, who he follows "with a love that's more than love." This juxtaposition of ferocity and loyalty sets up the conflict that will drive the rest of the poem.

The second stanza introduces the danger that Erico and his master face. They are caught in a blizzard, with no shelter or food. The imagery here is stark and bleak, with "the wind a whip with knotted cords" and "the snow a hissing snake." This creates a sense of urgency and desperation, as we realize that Erico and his master are in grave danger.

The third stanza is where the action begins. Erico's master falls through the ice, and Erico immediately springs into action. He "leaps and plunges through the drifts" to reach his master, and then uses his body heat to keep him warm. This is a powerful moment, as we see Erico's loyalty and bravery in action. He is willing to risk his own life to save his master, and this selflessness is what makes him a true hero.

The fourth stanza is the climax of the poem. Erico's master wakes up and realizes that he is still alive, thanks to Erico's sacrifice. However, he also realizes that Erico has died, and he is overcome with grief. This is a poignant moment, as we see the cost of heroism. Erico gave his life to save his master, and this sacrifice is not taken lightly.

The final stanza is a tribute to Erico's memory. Service writes that "his spirit roams the wild" and that he is "a king in Paradise." This is a fitting tribute to a brave and noble dog who gave his life for his master. Erico may be gone, but his memory lives on, and his heroism will never be forgotten.

One of the key themes of "Erico" is loyalty. Erico is fiercely loyal to his master, and this loyalty is what drives him to sacrifice his life. This theme is universal and timeless, as we can all relate to the idea of loyalty and the bonds that we form with those we love.

Another theme is heroism. Erico is a true hero, willing to risk his own life to save his master. This is a powerful example of selflessness and bravery, and it reminds us of the importance of courage in the face of danger.

Service uses a number of literary devices to enhance the impact of the poem. One of the most notable is imagery. The descriptions of the Alaskan wilderness and the blizzard create a vivid and immersive setting, and the use of metaphor and simile adds depth and complexity to the imagery.

Another device is repetition. Service repeats the phrase "more than love" to emphasize the depth of Erico's loyalty to his master. This repetition creates a sense of intensity and urgency, and it reinforces the theme of loyalty that runs throughout the poem.

Finally, Service uses rhyme and meter to create a musical quality to the poem. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is iambic tetrameter. This creates a sense of rhythm and flow, and it adds to the emotional impact of the poem.

In terms of historical context, "Erico" was written in 1916, during a time when the world was in the midst of World War I. This was a time of great upheaval and uncertainty, and the poem can be seen as a reflection of the values and ideals that were important to people at the time. Loyalty, bravery, and selflessness were all highly valued, and "Erico" embodies these ideals in a powerful and moving way.

In conclusion, "Erico" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of loyalty and heroism are universal and timeless, and its use of literary devices creates a powerful and emotional impact. Robert Service has created a tribute to a brave and noble dog who gave his life for his master, and in doing so, he has created a work of art that will be remembered for generations to come.

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