'Contentment' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a RoughneckAn Ancient gaffer once I knew,
Who puffed a pipe and tossed a tankard;
He claimed a hundred years or two,
And for a dozen more he hankered;
So o'er a pint I asked how he
Had kept his timbers tight together;
He grinned and answered: "It maun be
Because I likes all kinds o' weather."Fore every morn when I get up
I lights my clay pipe wi' a cinder,
And as me mug o' tea I sup
I looks from out the cottage winder;
And if it's shade or if it's shine
Or wind or snow befit to freeze me,
I always say: 'Well, now that's fine . . .
It's just the sorto' day to please me.'"For I have found it wise in life
To take the luck the way it's coming;
A wake, a worry or a wife -
Just carry on and keep a-humming.
And so I lights me pipe o' clay,
And through the morn on blizzard borders,
I chuckle in me guts and say:
'It's just the day the doctor orders.'"A mighty good philosophy
Thought I, and leads to longer living,
To make the best of things that be,
And take the weather of God's giving;
So though the sky be ashen grey,
And winds be edged and sleet be slanting,
Heap faggots on the fire and say:
"It's just the kind of day I'm wanting."

Editor 1 Interpretation

Robert Service's "Contentment": A Celebration of Simple Pleasures

There are poems that are meant to entertain, poems that are meant to inspire, and poems that are meant to convey a message, but there are only a few that can do all of these things at once. Robert Service's "Contentment" is one of those rare poems that can make you laugh, make you think, and leave you with a sense of contentment that is hard to describe.

At its core, "Contentment" is a celebration of simple pleasures. The poem begins with the speaker describing his humble abode, a small cabin in the woods, which may not look like much to an outsider, but to him, it is a place of comfort and joy. The speaker then proceeds to list a series of mundane activities that bring him happiness, such as chopping wood, cooking his own meals, and enjoying the quiet of nature.

The poem's message is clear: happiness does not come from material possessions or external circumstances, but from within. It is the little things in life that can bring us the most joy, and if we learn to appreciate them, we can find contentment in even the most challenging situations.

But "Contentment" is not just a philosophical treatise on the nature of happiness; it is also a beautifully crafted piece of poetry. Service's use of rhyme and meter creates a sense of musicality that is both soothing and uplifting. The poem's structure is simple and unpretentious, mirroring the speaker's appreciation for simplicity in his own life.

One of the most striking aspects of "Contentment" is its use of imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the natural world, from the "sough of pines" to the "drowsy drone of bees." Service's ability to paint a picture with words is truly remarkable, and it is this skill that allows the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of the poem.

But perhaps the most impressive thing about "Contentment" is its universality. The poem speaks to anyone who has ever felt the pull of a simpler life, anyone who has ever yearned for a deeper sense of contentment. It is a poem that transcends time and place, a poem that reminds us that the pursuit of happiness is a universal human experience.

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Contentment" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the joys of a simple existence. Its message is timeless, its imagery is breathtaking, and its universality is undeniable. If you are ever feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of modern life, take a moment to read this poem, and allow yourself to be transported to a world of peace, tranquility, and contentment.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions, and Robert Service's "Contentment" is no exception. This classic poem is a beautiful ode to the simple pleasures of life and the joy that comes from being content with what one has. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, structure, and language to understand why it has stood the test of time.

Firstly, let's take a look at the poem's structure. "Contentment" is a short poem consisting of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality and makes it easy to remember. The poem's brevity and simplicity are part of its charm, as it captures the essence of contentment in just sixteen lines.

The poem's first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Service writes, "I am glad I am happy and contented, / I never want to change my ways. / And if my humble roof is rented, / I'm sure to have happy days." Here, the speaker expresses his satisfaction with his life and his lack of desire for material possessions. He is content with what he has, and that brings him happiness. The use of the word "humble" to describe his roof emphasizes the speaker's modesty and humility.

The second stanza continues this theme of simplicity and contentment. The speaker says, "I've got the sweetest little garden, / It's only six feet by four, / But I've got roses, hollyhocks, and lilies, / And they bloom outside my door." The speaker's garden may be small, but it brings him great joy. He takes pleasure in the beauty of nature and the simple act of tending to his plants. The use of specific flower names adds to the poem's vivid imagery and emphasizes the speaker's appreciation for the natural world.

In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the passing of time. He says, "I've seen the seasons come and go, / And many a summer's sun, / But I never tire of my little home, / And the things that I have done." Here, the speaker acknowledges the fleeting nature of life but emphasizes his contentment with the present moment. He has found joy in the small things and is not concerned with the passage of time or the accumulation of wealth or possessions.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close with a message of gratitude. The speaker says, "So here's to peace and happiness, / And to contentment true, / May we all find it in our hearts, / And in the things we do." The poem's final lines emphasize the importance of finding contentment in one's life and the value of gratitude for what one has. The use of the word "we" suggests that the speaker is not alone in his pursuit of contentment and that it is something that we can all strive for.

Now that we have examined the poem's structure and themes, let's take a closer look at the language and imagery used by Service. The poem's language is simple and straightforward, which adds to its accessibility and universal appeal. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of "happy" and "contented" in the first stanza, emphasizes the speaker's satisfaction with his life and his desire to share that joy with others.

The poem's imagery is also noteworthy. Service uses vivid descriptions of nature, such as "roses, hollyhocks, and lilies," to emphasize the beauty of the natural world and the joy that can be found in simple pleasures. The use of the word "rented" to describe the speaker's roof adds to the poem's imagery by emphasizing the speaker's lack of attachment to material possessions.

In conclusion, Robert Service's "Contentment" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the joy that can be found in simple pleasures and the importance of finding contentment in one's life. The poem's structure, language, and imagery all contribute to its universal appeal and enduring popularity. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, it is important to remember the message of "Contentment" and strive to find joy in the small things.

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