'Birthday' by Robert Service
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Songs of a Sun-Lover(16th January 1949)I thank whatever gods may be
For all the happiness that's mine;
That I am festive, fit and free
To savour women, wit and wine;
That I may game of golf enjoy,
And have a formidable drive:
In short, that I'm a gay old boy
Though I beSeventy-and-five.My daughter thinks. because I'm old
(I'm not a crock, when all is said),
I mustn't let my feet get cold,
And should wear woollen socks in bed;
A worsted night-cap too, forsooth!
To humour her I won't contrive:
A man is in his second youth
When he isSeventy-and-five.At four-score years old age begins,
And not till then, I warn my wife;
At eighty I'll recant my sins,
And live a staid and sober life.
But meantime let me whoop it up,
And tell the world that I'm alive:
Fill to the brim the bubbly cup -
Here's health toSeventy-and-five!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Interpretation of "Birthday" by Robert Service
Oh, what a beautiful poem! "Birthday" by Robert Service always manages to captivate its readers with its simplicity and vivid imagery. The poem mainly focuses on the feelings and thoughts that come to one's mind on their birthday.
The poem comprises four stanzas, each of which is distinct and unique in its own way. In the first stanza, the speaker wakes up to the sound of "a birdie sing". The use of the word "birdie" instead of "bird" adds a sense of playfulness and childlike innocence to the poem. The speaker then goes on to describe how they feel on their birthday - "My heart is like a leaf astir". The image of a leaf astir conveys a sense of restlessness and excitement, which is what most people feel on their birthday.
The second stanza begins with the line "I'm one year older today". This line serves as a reminder of how time is passing by, and how we are getting older with each passing year. The speaker then goes on to describe how they feel about getting older - "Feeling smart as freshly laid eggs". The use of the simile "smart as freshly laid eggs" is a unique way of saying that the speaker feels young and full of life, like a newborn chick.
The third stanza is my favorite. It begins with the line "I've banished worry from my brow". This line is so relatable because most people tend to worry about getting older and what the future holds. However, the speaker seems to have banished all worries and is living in the moment, enjoying their birthday. The use of the phrase "a-day-for-mirth-and-play" adds to the festive mood of the poem, making the reader feel like they are a part of the celebration.
The final stanza begins with "I'm going to have my fling". The phrase "have my fling" implies that the speaker is going to live life to the fullest on their birthday, without any regrets. The use of the word "fling" also adds a sense of adventure to the poem. The speaker then goes on to describe how they are going to celebrate their birthday - "I'll dance and laugh with every thing". The use of the word "every thing" instead of "everyone" is interesting because it suggests that the speaker is going to celebrate their birthday with not just people, but also with the things around them.
Overall, "Birthday" by Robert Service is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of what it means to celebrate one's birthday. The poem is relatable, and the vivid imagery used by the poet makes the reader feel like they are a part of the celebration. The poem encourages us to live in the moment, banish worries, and have fun on our birthdays.
Criticism of "Birthday" by Robert Service
"Birthday" by Robert Service is a beautiful poem that is simple yet profound. However, there are a few criticisms that can be made about the poem.
Firstly, the poem is quite short, comprising only four stanzas. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does leave the reader wanting more. The poem could have been expanded upon, with more details about how the speaker plans to celebrate their birthday.
Secondly, the poem is quite simple in its language and structure. While this is not necessarily a bad thing, it does make the poem seem somewhat childish. The use of the word "birdie" instead of "bird" and the phrase "smart as freshly laid eggs" are examples of this. While these phrases add to the playful mood of the poem, they also make it seem less serious.
Lastly, the poem is quite predictable. From the first stanza itself, it is clear that the poem is about celebrating a birthday. While this predictability does not take away from the beauty of the poem, it does make it somewhat less impactful.
In conclusion, "Birthday" by Robert Service is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of what it means to celebrate one's birthday. The poem is simple yet profound, and the vivid imagery used by the poet makes the reader feel like they are a part of the celebration. However, there are a few criticisms that can be made about the poem, such as its predictability, simplicity, and length. Despite these criticisms, the poem remains a classic and continues to be loved by readers even today.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Birthday: A Celebration of Life and Art
Robert Service's "Poetry Birthday" is a classic poem that celebrates the joy of life and the power of poetry. Written in Service's signature style of simple yet powerful language, the poem captures the essence of what it means to be alive and to create art. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Poetry Birthday" and how they contribute to its enduring appeal.
The poem begins with a simple but profound statement: "I'm no poet, but if you think for a moment, you'll see that I'm right." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the power of poetry to capture the essence of life. Service is not claiming to be a great poet himself, but he recognizes the importance of poetry in our lives and the way it can help us make sense of the world around us.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the celebration that is about to take place. Service describes a "little room" that is filled with "laughter and cheers" as people gather to celebrate the birthday of poetry. This image of a small, intimate gathering is important because it emphasizes the personal nature of poetry. While poetry can be read and appreciated by many people, it is ultimately a personal experience that speaks to each individual in a unique way.
The second stanza of the poem introduces the central theme of the poem: the power of poetry to capture the essence of life. Service writes, "For poetry is a blossoming bough that bears the fruit of life." This metaphorical language emphasizes the way that poetry can help us understand and appreciate the beauty of the world around us. Just as a blossoming bough is a symbol of growth and vitality, poetry is a symbol of the human spirit and our capacity for creativity and imagination.
The third stanza of the poem continues this theme by describing the way that poetry can help us connect with others. Service writes, "For poetry is a silver thread that binds our hearts in one." This image of a silver thread emphasizes the way that poetry can bring people together and create a sense of community. By sharing our thoughts and feelings through poetry, we can connect with others on a deeper level and create a sense of shared experience.
The fourth stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the individual experience of poetry. Service writes, "For poetry is a mirror bright that reflects the human soul." This image of a mirror emphasizes the way that poetry can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world. By reflecting our own experiences and emotions back to us, poetry can help us gain insight into our own lives and the lives of others.
The fifth stanza of the poem returns to the theme of community, emphasizing the way that poetry can help us connect with others. Service writes, "For poetry is a magic wand that charms both great and small." This image of a magic wand emphasizes the way that poetry can transcend boundaries of age, gender, and social status. By speaking to the universal human experience, poetry can bring people together and create a sense of shared humanity.
The final stanza of the poem brings the celebration to a close, but not before emphasizing the enduring power of poetry. Service writes, "So here's a toast to poetry, a cup to friendship true." This final image of a toast and a cup emphasizes the way that poetry can bring people together and create a sense of shared experience. By celebrating poetry, we are celebrating the human spirit and our capacity for creativity and imagination.
In terms of structure, "Poetry Birthday" is a simple poem that consists of six stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a sense of rhythm and musicality. The simplicity of the structure allows the language and imagery of the poem to shine through, emphasizing the power of poetry to communicate complex ideas in a simple and accessible way.
In terms of language, "Poetry Birthday" is characterized by Service's signature style of simple yet powerful language. The metaphors and imagery in the poem are clear and direct, emphasizing the way that poetry can help us understand and appreciate the world around us. The language is also celebratory and joyful, emphasizing the sense of community and shared experience that poetry can create.
In conclusion, "Poetry Birthday" is a classic poem that celebrates the joy of life and the power of poetry. Through its simple yet powerful language and imagery, the poem emphasizes the way that poetry can help us understand ourselves and our place in the world, connect with others, and celebrate the human spirit. As we celebrate the birthday of poetry, we are celebrating the enduring power of art to inspire, uplift, and connect us all.
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