'A Snifter' by Robert Service
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Rhymes for My RagsAfter working hard all dayIn the office,
How much worse on homeward wayMy old cough is!
Barney's Bar is gaily lit,Let me stop there;
Just to buck me up a bitHave a drop there.As I stand beside the screenHesitating,
I have thought of how NoreenWill be waiting;
Baby Patsy in her lapGay and laughing,
While at Barney's foaming tapI am quaffing.Barney's Bar is mighty bright,Looks so cheery.
Wonder what I'll drink tonight?Gee! I'm weary.
Will I have Scotch or Rye?Bourbon maybe . . .
Then I see with mental eyeWife and baby.So I say 'tis malted milkI'll be skoffin';
Sooth my throttle sleek as silk,Ease my coughin' . . .
Say, I love them two to death,Sure they miss me:
With no whisky on my breathHow they'll kiss me!
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Snifter: A Literary Masterpiece
As a literary enthusiast, I am always on the lookout for masterpieces that evoke powerful emotions, imagery, and storytelling. One such literary gem that has captured my imagination is "A Snifter," a timeless poem by Robert Service. This literary masterpiece, with its vivid descriptions, clever wordplay, and underlying themes, has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers today.
The Power of Imagery
The first thing that struck me about "A Snifter" was the power of its imagery. Service's use of descriptive language is unparalleled, and he brings to life the setting, characters, and actions of the poem with startling clarity. For example, in the opening stanza, he describes the "smoky, dim-lit bar" in which the poem is set, and the "flashing of the glasses" and "clinking of the ice" that creates a sense of atmosphere and anticipation. As a reader, I feel like I am right there with the characters, watching the action unfold.
The Art of Wordplay
Service's use of wordplay is another element that makes "A Snifter" such a masterpiece. He employs clever puns and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality that is both entertaining and engaging. For example, in the second stanza, he writes "And Denny shook his curly locks/And winked his wicked eye" – the repetition of the "ck" sound in "curly locks" and "wicked eye" creates a playful tone that adds to the poem's overall charm.
The Themes of Loss and Regret
At its core, "A Snifter" is a poem about loss and regret. The main character, Denny, is a former boxer who has fallen on hard times and is now a washed-up alcoholic. Through Service's use of imagery and wordplay, we get a sense of the sadness and desperation that Denny feels. For example, when he orders his snifter of cognac, we learn that "He'd love to have a woman, but/He'd rather have a drink" – this reveals his loneliness and sense of isolation.
The Irony of the Ending
One of the things I love about "A Snifter" is the irony of the ending. After spending the entire poem building up to Denny's moment of redemption – when he wins his last fight and makes a triumphant return to the boxing ring – Service subverts our expectations by revealing that it was all a fantasy. Denny never leaves the bar; he never wins the fight. Instead, he remains trapped in his own self-destructive cycle, "drinking down his courage" and "drowning his despair."
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Snifter" is a literary masterpiece that showcases Robert Service's incredible talent as a poet. Through his use of vivid imagery, clever wordplay, and underlying themes, he creates a world and characters that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. As a reader, I am left with a sense of sadness and regret, but also a deeper understanding of the human condition. If you haven't read this poem yet, I highly recommend it – it's a true literary gem that deserves to be celebrated.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and transport us to different worlds. Robert Service's "A Snifter" is a classic example of how a poem can capture the essence of a moment and make it timeless. In this 16-line poem, Service takes us on a journey through the senses, as we experience the warmth and comfort of a snifter of brandy.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the snifter as "a crystal ball, wherein / Is seen the strangest, quaintest things." This metaphor sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the snifter becomes a vessel for the speaker's imagination. The use of the word "quaintest" suggests that the images seen in the snifter are not only strange but also charming and delightful.
The second stanza continues this theme, as the speaker describes the "amber glow" of the brandy in the snifter. The use of color imagery is important here, as it creates a visual representation of the warmth and comfort that the snifter provides. The word "glow" suggests a soft, radiant light, which is in contrast to the harshness of the outside world.
The third stanza is where the poem really comes alive, as the speaker describes the "fragrant fumes" that rise from the snifter. The use of the word "fragrant" suggests that the brandy has a pleasant aroma, which is further emphasized by the word "fumes." This creates a sense of movement and energy, as the fumes rise and swirl around the snifter.
The fourth stanza is perhaps the most evocative, as the speaker describes the "taste of paradise" that comes with each sip of brandy. The use of the word "paradise" suggests that the brandy is not just a drink, but a gateway to a world of pleasure and delight. The speaker's use of the word "sip" also suggests that the brandy is to be savored and enjoyed slowly, rather than consumed quickly.
The final stanza brings the poem to a close, as the speaker describes the "magic spell" that the snifter has cast over them. The use of the word "spell" suggests that the snifter has a hypnotic effect, drawing the speaker into its world of warmth and comfort. The final line, "And so I sit and dream and sip," emphasizes the idea that the snifter is not just a drink, but a source of inspiration and imagination.
Overall, "A Snifter" is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the essence of a moment and makes it timeless. Through the use of vivid imagery and sensory language, Robert Service takes us on a journey through the senses, as we experience the warmth and comfort of a snifter of brandy. Whether you're a fan of poetry or not, "A Snifter" is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of words to transport us to different worlds.
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