'Belated Conscience' by Robert Service

AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

Rhymes for My RagsTo buy for school a copy-bookI asked my Dad for two-pence;
He gave it with a gentle look,Although he had but few pence.
'Twas then I proved myself a crookAnd came a moral cropper,
I bought a penny copy-bookAnd blued the other copper.I spent it on a sausage rollGulped down with guilt suggestion,
To the damnation of my soulAnd awful indigestion.
Poor Dad! His job was hard to hold;His mouths to feed were many;
Were he alive a millionfoldI'd pay him for his penny.Now nigh the grave I think with grief,Though other sins are many,
I am a liar and a thief'Cause once I stole a penny:
Yet be he pious as a friarIt is my firm believing,
That every man has been a liarAnd most of us done thieving.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Belated Conscience: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

Robert Service’s "Poetry, Belated Conscience" is a poem that speaks to the power of words and the responsibility of the poet. Throughout the poem, Service reflects on his own work as a poet, questioning his own motivations and the impact of his words on the world around him. Service’s poem is a powerful commentary on the role of the artist in society, and it offers a nuanced exploration of the relationship between art and responsibility.

The Power of Words

At its core, "Poetry, Belated Conscience" is a meditation on the power of words. Service recognizes that poetry has the power to move people, to inspire them, and to shape their perceptions of the world around them. However, he also recognizes that this power can be dangerous. Words can be used to manipulate, to deceive, and to perpetuate injustice.

Service captures this tension beautifully in the opening lines of the poem:

Oh, there's a poem in this here place, And we all ought to write it; But don't nobody seem to have the face To even try to sight it.

Here, Service acknowledges the beauty and the potential of this place, but he also recognizes the fear and hesitation that can come with attempting to capture it in words. This hesitation speaks to the weight of responsibility that comes with writing poetry. Service recognizes that when we put words out into the world, we are making a statement about the world, and that statement has the power to shape the world in ways both positive and negative.

The Responsibility of the Poet

Throughout the poem, Service grapples with his own responsibility as a poet. He recognizes the importance of using his words for good, but he also acknowledges that he has not always lived up to this responsibility. He writes:

I've written verse, and I've sung song, And I've had my fling at rhyming; But somehow my rhyme went always wrong, And my heart's tune kept on chiming.

Here, Service reflects on his own work as a poet, recognizing that he has sometimes put his own desires and ambitions above the greater good. He notes that his "heart's tune" has kept him focused on his own personal success rather than on the impact of his words on the world.

This recognition of his own shortcomings as a poet is a powerful moment in the poem. It speaks to Service’s willingness to take responsibility for the impact of his words, and it shows that he is willing to hold himself accountable for the ways in which he has fallen short.

The Limits of Art

While Service recognizes the power of poetry, he also acknowledges its limits. He writes:

For all my verse is sad and gay, And sprightly, sharp and surly, I doubt if it will live a day Beyond its fate of early.

Here, Service acknowledges that even the best poetry has its limits. No matter how powerful or moving a poem may be, it is ultimately limited by its own time and place. Service recognizes that his own poetry may not survive beyond his own time, and he accepts this limitation.

This recognition of the limits of art is an important reminder that even the best poetry is not a panacea. It cannot solve all of the world’s problems or undo all of its injustices. However, this recognition does not diminish the importance of poetry. Rather, it underscores the need for poets to use their words wisely and responsibly, recognizing that while they may not be able to solve all of the world’s problems, they can still make a difference in their own way.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Belated Conscience" is a powerful meditation on the role of the poet in society. Service recognizes the power of poetry to shape the world, but he also acknowledges the responsibility that comes with this power. He reflects on his own work as a poet, recognizing his own shortcomings but also his willingness to take responsibility for the impact of his words. Ultimately, Service’s poem is a reminder that poetry, like all art, has its limits, but it can still make a difference in the world if used wisely and responsibly.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Belated Conscience: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Belated Conscience stands out as a true gem. This poem is a powerful reflection on the human conscience and the consequences of ignoring it. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his past actions, which he now regrets. He acknowledges that he has been living a life of selfishness and neglect, ignoring the voice of his conscience. The speaker's tone is remorseful and introspective, as he contemplates the consequences of his actions. He realizes that he has been blind to the suffering of others and has only been concerned with his own desires.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker laments his past mistakes. He says, "I have sinned against my conscience, and it hurts me to the core." This line is a powerful admission of guilt, as the speaker acknowledges that he has done wrong. He goes on to say, "I have lived a life of folly, and I cannot bear it anymore." This line is a reflection of the speaker's regret, as he realizes that he has wasted his life on meaningless pursuits.

The second stanza of the poem is a continuation of the first, as the speaker reflects on the consequences of his actions. He says, "I have hurt those who loved me, and I cannot make it right." This line is a powerful admission of the harm that the speaker has caused to others. He goes on to say, "I have ignored the cries of the needy, and I cannot sleep at night." This line is a reflection of the speaker's guilt, as he realizes that he has been indifferent to the suffering of others.

The third stanza of the poem is a turning point, as the speaker begins to contemplate the possibility of redemption. He says, "But now I see the error of my ways, and I want to make amends." This line is a reflection of the speaker's newfound awareness, as he realizes that he has been living a life of selfishness. He goes on to say, "I want to live a life of purpose, and I want to do what's right." This line is a reflection of the speaker's desire to change, as he realizes that he has wasted his life on meaningless pursuits.

The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection of the speaker's determination to change. He says, "I will listen to my conscience, and I will follow its lead." This line is a reflection of the speaker's commitment to doing what is right, as he realizes that he has been ignoring the voice of his conscience. He goes on to say, "I will help those who need me, and I will make a difference in the world." This line is a reflection of the speaker's desire to make a positive impact on the world, as he realizes that he has been indifferent to the suffering of others.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is a reflection of the speaker's hope for the future. He says, "I know that I cannot change the past, but I can shape the future." This line is a reflection of the speaker's acceptance of his past mistakes, as he realizes that he cannot undo what has been done. He goes on to say, "I will live a life of purpose, and I will make the most of every moment." This line is a reflection of the speaker's determination to live a meaningful life, as he realizes that he has wasted too much time on meaningless pursuits.

The structure of the poem is simple and straightforward, with five stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase "and I cannot" in the second stanza, adds to the poem's emotional impact. The use of imagery, such as the image of the speaker's "belated conscience," adds depth and complexity to the poem.

In conclusion, Poetry Belated Conscience is a powerful reflection on the human conscience and the consequences of ignoring it. Robert Service's masterful use of language and imagery creates a poignant and emotional poem that resonates with readers. The poem's themes of regret, redemption, and hope are universal and timeless, making it a true masterpiece of literature.

Editor Recommended Sites

LLM training course: Find the best guides, tutorials and courses on LLM fine tuning for the cloud, on-prem
Crytpo News - Coindesk alternative: The latest crypto news. See what CZ tweeted today, and why Michael Saylor will be liquidated
Rust Language: Rust programming language Apps, Web Assembly Apps
Developer Painpoints: Common issues when using a particular cloud tool, programming language or framework
Roleplay Community: Wiki and discussion board for all who love roleplaying

Recommended Similar Analysis

Mine Enemy is growing old- by Emily Dickinson analysis
Last Mowing, The by Robert Lee Frost analysis
Confessions by Robert Browning analysis
Nursery Rhyme For A Twenty-First Birthday by A.S.J. Tessimond analysis
Eloisa To Abelard by Alexander Pope analysis
Men by Maya Angelou analysis
Intorduction To The Song Of Hiawatha by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow analysis
The Georgics by Virgil analysis
Bait , The by John Donne analysis
The Applicant by Sylvia Plath analysis