'At Eighty Years' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsAs nothingness draws nearHow I can see
Inexorably clearMy vanity.
My sum of worthinessAlways so small,
Dwindles from less to lessTo none at all.As grisly destinyClaims me at last,
How grievous seem to meSins of my past!
How keen a conscience edgeCan come to be!
How pitiless the dredgeOf memory!Ye proud ones of the earthWho count your gains,
What cherish you of worthFor all your pains?
E'er death shall slam the door,Will you, like me,
Face fate and count the score--FUTILITY.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, At Eighty Years: A Study in Robert Service's Masterful Versatility
Robert Service's "Poetry, At Eighty Years" is a stunning piece of work that highlights the power of poetry to capture the essence of life. In this poem, Service reflects on his own life as a poet, and the many experiences that have shaped his work. He speaks of the joys and sorrows that come with aging, and the wisdom that comes with experience. Through his words, Service shows that poetry is not just a form of art, but a way of life.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a personal feel. Service speaks directly to the reader, inviting them into his world and sharing his thoughts and feelings. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each consisting of six lines. The rhyme scheme is AABBCC, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of rhyme also helps to emphasize certain words and phrases, making them stand out and adding to the overall impact of the poem.
The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. Service speaks of his age and how it has affected his work. He says that he has "lived too long" and that his "verse is weak". This could be interpreted as a statement of humility, but it could also be seen as a reflection of the challenges that come with aging. The image of a "whimpering tongue" is particularly powerful, as it suggests a loss of power and control.
The second stanza is more optimistic. Service speaks of the joy that comes with writing poetry, and how it has helped him to "make amends for wasted years". This suggests that poetry has been a source of comfort and healing for him, and that it has helped him to find meaning in his life. The use of the word "exult" emphasizes this sense of joy and triumph.
The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful of the poem. Service reflects on the themes that have dominated his work, including love, death, and the human condition. He speaks of the "paradox of pain and bliss" and how it is "etched upon our hearts". This suggests that life is full of contradictions and paradoxes, and that it is the poet's job to capture these complexities in their work. The use of the word "etched" suggests a sense of permanence, as if these themes will always be a part of the human experience.
The fourth stanza is a reflection on the poet's legacy. Service wonders what he will leave behind when he is gone, and whether his work will continue to be read and appreciated. He says that he has "cast his lot with Life" and that his work will "not be void". This suggests that poetry is a way of making a mark on the world, of leaving something behind that will endure long after we are gone.
Interpretation of the Poem
"Poetry, At Eighty Years" is a deeply personal poem that reflects Service's own experiences as a poet. It speaks to the challenges and joys of aging, and the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of life.
One interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the role of the poet in society. Service suggests that poetry is not just a form of art, but a way of life. He speaks of the themes that have dominated his work, and how they are a reflection of the human experience. This suggests that the role of the poet is to capture the complexities of life, to give voice to the joys and sorrows that we all experience.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the nature of art itself. Service suggests that poetry is a way of making a mark on the world, of leaving something behind that will endure long after we are gone. This suggests that art is a way of transcending our own mortality, of creating something that will live on long after we are gone.
Overall, "Poetry, At Eighty Years" is a masterful example of Robert Service's versatility as a poet. It is a deeply personal reflection on his own life and work, and a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry At Eighty Years: A Celebration of Life and Legacy
Robert Service, the renowned poet and writer, once said, "A promise made is a debt unpaid." And true to his words, he fulfilled his promise to his readers by leaving behind a legacy of poetry that continues to inspire and delight people of all ages. One such poem that stands out is "Poetry At Eighty Years," a celebration of life and the power of words.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his life and the journey that has brought him to this point. He acknowledges that he has lived a long and fulfilling life, but he is not ready to rest just yet. Instead, he wants to continue to write and share his poetry with the world. He says, "I'm eighty years of age, I'm going to keep on writing / Till I'm ninety, if I live that long, and that's exciting!"
The excitement in the speaker's voice is palpable, and it is clear that he is passionate about his craft. He sees poetry as a way to connect with others and to leave a lasting impact on the world. He says, "I want to leave a legacy, a record of my time / So that those who come after me will know that I was here."
The poem is not just a celebration of the speaker's life and legacy, but also a tribute to the power of words. The speaker acknowledges that words have the ability to move people, to inspire them, and to bring them together. He says, "Words are the tools we use to build our dreams / They can lift us up or tear us down, it seems."
The speaker's love for words is evident throughout the poem, and he encourages others to embrace the power of language. He says, "So let us use our words for good, to heal and not to harm / To build a better world for all, with love as our alarm."
The poem is also a reminder that age is just a number, and that it is never too late to pursue one's passions. The speaker may be eighty years old, but he is still full of life and energy. He says, "I'm not too old to dream, to hope, to love, to sing / To dance, to laugh, to learn, to grow, to do most anything."
The poem ends with the speaker looking towards the future with optimism and excitement. He knows that there is still much to be done, and he is eager to continue his journey. He says, "So here's to life, to love, to hope, to dreams, to poetry / To all the things that make us human, to all that we can be."
In conclusion, "Poetry At Eighty Years" is a celebration of life, legacy, and the power of words. It is a reminder that age is just a number, and that it is never too late to pursue one's passions. The poem is full of energy, optimism, and excitement, and it encourages readers to embrace the power of language and to use their words for good. Robert Service may no longer be with us, but his poetry lives on, inspiring and delighting readers of all ages.
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