'Birthdays' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a RoughneckLet us have birthdays every day,
(I had the thought while I was shaving)
Because a birthday should be gay,
And full of grace and good behaving.
We can't have cakes and candles bright,
And presents are beyond our giving,
But let lt us cherish with delight
The birthday way of lovely living.For I have passed three-score and ten
And I can count upon my fingers
The years I hope to bide with men,
(Though by God's grace one often lingers.)
So in the summers left to me,
Because I'm blest beyond my merit,
I hope with gratitude and glee
To sparkle with the birthday spirit.Let me inform myself each day
Who's proudmost on the natal roster;
If Washington or Henry Clay,
Or Eugene Field or Stephen Foster.
oh lots of famous folks I'll find
Who more than measure to my rating,
And so thanksgivingly inclined
Their birthdays I'll be celebrating.For Oh I know the cheery glow|
Of Anniversary rejoicing;
Let me reflect its radiance so
My daily gladness I'll be voicing.
And though I'm stooped and silver-haired,
Let me with laughter make the hearth gay,
So by the gods I may be spared
Each year to hear: "Pop, Happy Birthday."
Editor 1 Interpretation
Birthdays by Robert Service: A Celebration of Life and Timelessness
If there is one thing that captivates the human mind, it is the idea of time. We measure our lives by seconds, minutes, hours, days, and years, counting the moments that define our existence. But what happens when we run out of time? What happens when we reach the end of our journey? These are the questions that Robert Service explores in his timeless poem, "Birthdays."
Written in 1923, "Birthdays" is a celebration of life, a recognition of the fleeting nature of time, and a meditation on the ultimate mystery of death. With its simple yet powerful language, the poem captures the essence of the human experience, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every moment and living life to the fullest.
The Poem
Before we dive into the analysis of the poem, let us first take a look at the text itself:
Let us have birthdays every day,
(I had the thought while I was shaving)
Because I'm sure that, anyway,
A fellow needs a lot of waving.
We need our friends to blow the horn,
And lift us gayly on their shoulders;
But oh! the words that can be borne
Of grinning folks that might be boulders.
So let us have a cheery smile,
And pass the jest from eye to eye,
For better that than tears and bile,
You don't know when you have to die.
If I should go before the rest,
(Its chances are aboujt even)
I'll want to have a jamboree,
And know we've had our birthdays seven.
So let us have them while we may,
And I'll the happier be confessing
Because I was not born away
In some far century's distressing.
Let's all be glad that we are here,
With all our faults and virtues blending;
The present only is our sphere,
And we are gladdest in pretending.
At first glance, "Birthdays" may seem like a simple poem. There are no complex metaphors or intricate rhyme schemes to decipher. However, there is a beauty in its simplicity, a beauty that lies in its directness and honesty.
Analysis
Structure and Form
"Birthdays" is a free-verse poem, lacking a set rhyme scheme or meter. This form allows Service to focus on the content of the poem rather than on its structure, giving him the freedom to express his ideas in a more naturalistic way.
Despite the lack of a strict form, the poem does have a clear structure. It is split into three stanzas, each with a distinct theme. The first stanza presents the central idea of the poem, that we should celebrate life every day as if it were our birthday. The second stanza acknowledges the inevitability of death and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. Finally, the third stanza brings the poem to a close by celebrating the present moment and the joy that comes from pretending that everything is alright.
Themes
The poem explores several themes, the most prominent of which is the celebration of life. Service emphasizes the need for joy and laughter in our lives, arguing that we should celebrate every day as if it were our birthday. The idea of a "jamboree" serves as a metaphor for the celebration of life and the importance of surrounding ourselves with friends and loved ones.
Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the fleeting nature of time. Service recognizes that our time on this earth is limited and that we should make the most of every moment. This theme is exemplified in the line, "You don't know when you have to die," which serves as a reminder that life is precious and that we should never take it for granted.
Finally, the poem touches on the ultimate mystery of death. Service acknowledges that death is inevitable and that we will all face it eventually. However, he chooses to focus on the joy and celebration of life rather than on the sadness and inevitability of death. This is exemplified in the line, "Let's all be glad that we are here, With all our faults and virtues blending."
Language and Imagery
Service's choice of language in "Birthdays" is simple yet powerful. He uses everyday language to express complex ideas, making the poem accessible to a wide audience. The use of the first-person perspective also gives the poem a personal and intimate feel, as if the speaker is talking directly to the reader.
The imagery in the poem is also simple yet effective. The idea of a birthday serves as a metaphor for the celebration of life, while the image of friends blowing horns and lifting the speaker on their shoulders creates a sense of joy and camaraderie. The use of the phrase "jamboree" adds to this sense of celebration, evoking an image of a lively and joyous party.
Interpretation
"Birthdays" is a poem that celebrates the joy of life while recognizing the inevitability of death. Service encourages us to live life to the fullest, to celebrate every day as if it were our birthday, and to surround ourselves with friends and loved ones. He reminds us that life is precious and that we should never take it for granted.
The poem also serves as a meditation on the mystery of death. Service acknowledges that death is inevitable, but chooses to focus on the joy and celebration of life rather than on the sadness and inevitability of death. In doing so, he encourages us to embrace life and to make the most of every moment.
Finally, "Birthdays" celebrates the present moment and the joy that comes from pretending that everything is alright. Service acknowledges that we all have faults and virtues and that life is not always easy. However, he encourages us to find joy in the present moment and to celebrate the gift of life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Birthdays" is a timeless poem that celebrates the joy of life while recognizing the inevitability of death. With its simple yet powerful language, the poem captures the essence of the human experience, reminding us of the importance of cherishing every moment and living life to the fullest. It is a poem that will resonate with readers for generations to come, a celebration of life and timelessness that will never grow old.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Birthdays: A Celebration of Life and Love
Robert Service, the renowned poet, once said, "A promise made is a debt unpaid." And he kept his promise to the world by giving us the gift of his poetry. One of his most famous works is "Poetry Birthdays," a beautiful and heartwarming poem that celebrates the joys of life and love.
The poem begins with the line, "Let us celebrate with wine and sweet words," setting the tone for a joyous occasion. Service invites us to join him in a celebration of life and love, and he does so with his signature style of simple yet powerful language.
The first stanza of the poem talks about the beauty of nature and how it inspires us to live life to the fullest. Service writes, "The earth is full of beauty, and it's all around us. / The sky is blue, the grass is green, and the flowers are in bloom." He reminds us that life is a precious gift, and we should cherish every moment of it.
In the second stanza, Service talks about the importance of love and how it brings meaning to our lives. He writes, "Love is the light that guides us through the darkest night. / It's the warmth that fills our hearts and makes everything right." He reminds us that love is the foundation of our existence, and without it, life would be meaningless.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Service talks about the inevitability of death and how it should not be feared. He writes, "Death is not an end, but a new beginning. / A chance to start anew and leave behind all our sinning." He reminds us that death is a natural part of life, and we should embrace it with open arms.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a celebration of birthdays. Service writes, "Birthdays are a time to celebrate life and all its wonders. / A time to reflect on the past and look forward to the future." He reminds us that birthdays are not just about getting older but about celebrating the journey of life.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a call to action. Service writes, "So let us raise a glass to life and love. / Let us celebrate the joys of living and the beauty of the world above." He reminds us that life is short, and we should make the most of it by celebrating every moment.
In conclusion, "Poetry Birthdays" is a beautiful and heartwarming poem that celebrates the joys of life and love. Service reminds us that life is a precious gift, and we should cherish every moment of it. He also reminds us that love is the foundation of our existence, and without it, life would be meaningless. Finally, he reminds us that death is a natural part of life, and we should embrace it with open arms. So let us raise a glass to life and love and celebrate the joys of living and the beauty of the world above.
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