'Bill's Grave' by Robert Service
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Rhymes of a Red Cross ManI'm gatherin' flowers by the wayside to lay on the grave of Bill;I've sneaked away from the billet, 'cause Jim wouldn't understand;
'E'd call me a silly fat'ead, and larf till it made 'im ill,To see me 'ere in the cornfield, wiv a big bookay in me 'and.For Jim and me we are rough uns, but Bill was one o' the best;We 'listed and learned together to larf at the wust wot comes;
Then Bill copped a packet proper, and took 'is departure West,So sudden 'e 'adn't a minit to say good-bye to 'is chums.And they took me to where 'e was planted, a sort of a measly mound,And, thinks I, 'ow Bill would be tickled, bein' so soft and queer,
If I gathered a bunch o' them wild-flowers, and sort of arranged them roundLike a kind of a bloody headpiece . . . and that's the reason I'm 'ere.But not for the love of glory I wouldn't 'ave Jim to know.'E'd call me a slobberin' Cissy, and larf till 'is sides was sore;
I'd 'ave larfed at meself too, it isn't so long ago;But some'ow it changes a feller, 'avin' a taste o' war.It 'elps a man to be 'elpful, to know wot 'is pals is worth(Them golden poppies is blazin' like lamps some fairy 'as lit);
I'm fond o' them big white dysies. . . . Now Jim's o' the salt o' the earth;But 'e 'as got a tongue wot's a terror, and 'e ain't sentimental a bit.I likes them blue chaps wot's 'idin' so shylike among the corn.Won't Bill be glad! We was allus thicker 'n thieves, us three.
Why! 'Oo's that singin' so 'earty? JIM! And as sure as I'm born'E's there in the giddy cornfields, a-gatherin' flowers like me.Quick! Drop me posy be'ind me. I watches 'im for a while,Then I says: "Wot 'o, there, Chummy! Wot price the little bookay?"
And 'e starts like a bloke wot's guilty, and 'e says with a sheepish smile:"She's a bit of orl right, the widder wot keeps the estaminay."So 'e goes away in a 'urry, and I wishes 'im best o' luck,And I picks up me bunch o' wild-flowers, and the light's gettin' sorto dim,
When I makes me way to the boneyard, and . . . I stares like a man wot's stuck,For wot do I see?
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Poetic Journey to Bill's Grave: A Critique of Robert Service's Masterpiece
Have you ever come across a poem that evokes deep emotions within you, leaving you with a lasting impression? One such poem is Bill's Grave, written by Robert Service. The poem is a touching tribute to a lost friend, Bill, who was laid to rest in a remote location. The poem stands out for its simple yet powerful language, vivid imagery and the way it captures the essence of friendship, loss and grief.
The Poem's Structure
Let's start by looking at the poem's structure. The poem consists of three stanzas, each of which has six lines. The poem follows a consistent rhyme scheme, with the first and third lines of each stanza rhyming, as do the second and fourth, and the fifth and sixth. This structure gives the poem a musical quality, making it pleasing to the ear.
But the poem's structure is more than just its rhyme scheme. The poem's stanzas have a distinct division of thought, with each stanza representing a different aspect of the speaker's emotions. In the first stanza, the speaker talks about the location of Bill's grave and the circumstances surrounding his death. In the second stanza, the speaker reminisces about their friendship and the good times they shared. In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and how it affects us all.
The Poem's Language
The language used in the poem is simple, but it is also powerful in its ability to evoke emotions. The opening lines of the poem are particularly striking:
Under the blue and stars and sky, A man whom I do not know Asleep on the ground, with his battle done, And his lifelong foe.
These lines paint a vivid picture of the speaker's surroundings and the solemnity of the occasion. The use of the phrase "lifelong foe" to describe death is particularly poignant, as it reminds us that death is an inevitable part of life.
Throughout the poem, Service uses powerful imagery to convey the speaker's emotions. In the second stanza, for example, the speaker describes how Bill "danced with me in the wind, / In the sun and the rain and the snow." This image of the two friends dancing in the elements is a powerful symbol of their friendship and the joy they shared.
The Poem's Themes
At its core, Bill's Grave is a poem about friendship and loss. The poem explores the theme of loss by describing the circumstances of Bill's death and the speaker's grief at his passing. The speaker reflects on the inevitability of death and how it affects us all, regardless of our station in life.
But the poem is also about friendship, and the way it can sustain us through difficult times. The speaker reminisces about the good times he shared with Bill, and how their friendship gave him strength. In the final lines of the poem, the speaker reflects on the power of friendship to transcend even death:
And though he sleeps on the lonely hill, The good die never; And Thoreau said, and it's true I feel, As long as we live, they live.
These lines remind us that even though Bill is gone, his spirit lives on through the memories of those who knew him. It's a powerful reminder of the enduring power of friendship, even in the face of death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bill's Grave is a masterpiece of poetry that evokes powerful emotions and resonates with readers. Through its simple language, vivid imagery and powerful themes, the poem captures the essence of friendship, loss and grief. It's a testament to the enduring power of poetry to touch our hearts and souls, and to help us make sense of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. Robert Service's "Bill's Grave" is a classic example of how poetry can capture the essence of a person's life and death. The poem is a tribute to a man named Bill, who lived a simple life but left a lasting impact on those who knew him. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with a description of Bill's grave, which is located in a remote area of the Yukon. The speaker notes that the grave is "lonely" and "unmarked," suggesting that Bill was not a wealthy or influential person. However, the speaker also notes that the grave is "hallowed," indicating that Bill was respected and loved by those who knew him.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of Bill's life. The speaker describes Bill as a man who "never did no wrong," suggesting that he was a moral and upright person. The speaker also notes that Bill was a "man of men," indicating that he was respected by his peers.
The second stanza provides more details about Bill's life. The speaker notes that Bill was a "hard-bitten" man who lived in the Yukon for many years. The speaker also notes that Bill was a "sourdough," which is a term used to describe someone who has lived in the Yukon for a long time and has adapted to its harsh conditions. The use of this term suggests that Bill was a rugged and resilient person who was able to survive in a challenging environment.
The third stanza is a tribute to Bill's character. The speaker notes that Bill was a "gentle" man who was "kind and true." The use of these adjectives suggests that Bill was a compassionate and honest person who was well-liked by those who knew him. The speaker also notes that Bill was a "friend to all," indicating that he was a sociable person who enjoyed the company of others.
The fourth stanza is a reflection on Bill's death. The speaker notes that Bill died alone and was buried in a remote location. However, the speaker also notes that Bill's spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew him. The use of the phrase "his soul goes marching on" is a reference to the American Civil War song "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," which suggests that Bill's legacy will endure long after his death.
The fifth stanza is a call to action. The speaker urges the reader to visit Bill's grave and pay their respects. The use of the phrase "come and see" is an invitation to the reader to experience the beauty and solitude of the Yukon and to honor the memory of a man who lived a simple but meaningful life.
The themes of "Bill's Grave" are universal and timeless. The poem celebrates the virtues of honesty, compassion, and resilience. It also reminds us that our legacy is not measured by our wealth or status but by the impact we have on the lives of others. The poem also highlights the beauty and solitude of the Yukon, which is a symbol of the natural world and its power to inspire and heal.
The imagery used in "Bill's Grave" is vivid and evocative. The description of the Yukon as a "land of gold and midnight sun" is a reference to the region's history as a center of the Klondike Gold Rush. The use of the phrase "the silence that's deep and grand" is a reference to the vastness and majesty of the natural world. The description of Bill's grave as "lonely" and "unmarked" is a reminder of the transience of human life and the importance of cherishing the memories of those who have passed.
The language used in "Bill's Grave" is simple and direct, which reflects the poem's theme of simplicity and honesty. The use of colloquialisms such as "sourdough" and "hard-bitten" adds to the poem's authenticity and sense of place. The repetition of the phrase "his soul goes marching on" is a reminder of the power of language to evoke emotion and create a sense of continuity and connection.
In conclusion, "Bill's Grave" is a classic poem that celebrates the virtues of honesty, compassion, and resilience. It also reminds us of the beauty and solitude of the natural world and the importance of cherishing the memories of those who have passed. The poem's themes, imagery, and language are universal and timeless, making it a powerful tribute to the human spirit.
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