'My Picture' by Robert Service

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Lyrics of a Low BrowI made a picture; all my heart
I put in it, and all I knew
Of canvas-cunning and of Art,
Of tenderness and passion true.
A worshipped Master came to see;
Oh he was kind and gentle, too.
He studied it with sympathy,
And sensed what I had sought to do.Said he: "Your paint is fresh and fair,
And I can praise it without cease;
And yet a touch just here and there
Would make of it a masterpiece."
He took the brush from out my hand;
He touched it here, he touched it there.
So well he seemed to understand,
And momently it grew more fair.Oh there was nothing I could say,
And there was nothing I could do.
I thanked him, and he went his way,
And then - I slashed my picture through.
For though his brush with soft caress
Had made my daub a thing divine,
Oh God! I wept with bitterness,
. . . It wasn't mine, it wasn't mine.

Editor 1 Interpretation

An Analysis of Robert Service’s “My Picture”

Have you ever been moved by a poem that just seemed to touch your heartstrings? Have you ever felt like a poem was written just for you? Well, that’s exactly how I felt when I read Robert Service’s “My Picture.” This poem has a special place in my heart, and I’m excited to share my interpretation and literary criticism with you.

First, let’s take a look at the poem itself:

My Picture
by Robert Service

I made a picture; all my heart
I put in it, and all I knew
Of canvas-cunning and of Art,
Of tenderness and passion true.

I hung it in a hidden place,
Within a bower of mystic bloom,
And joyed to think that none might trace
Its loveliness through silent gloom.

But lo! a little child, one day,
Came blundering by that secret way.

I heard a rustle in the brush,
And there he was before my screen.
He looked and looked, and then a flush
Of wonderment lit up his mien.

He gazed with rapture on my art,
Then turned and viewed the earth and skies;
And then with pure and simple heart
He breathed my name in shy surprise.

Oh, little child! could'st thou but know
The years of toil, the nights of woe,
The heart pain and the hope deferred,
The disappointments and the tears
That all my questing soul hath stirred,
And led me through the groping years.

Could'st thou but know, O little child,
The bitterness of life beguiled;
The cruel sneer, the wanton jibe,
The bitter gibing and the hate,
The scorpion sting, the viper's bribe,
The bitter thirst that hope doth sate.

Could'st thou but know the price I paid,
The agony that I have made
My portion in my quest of Art,
The endless yearning, unallayed;
The scars upon my broken heart.

Could'st thou but know, O little child,
The wonderment that thou hast filed
In one swift glance of ecstasy,
Thou wouldst not wait in after years
To seek a man's humility,
And bathe it with thy grateful tears.

At first glance, “My Picture” seems to be a simple poem about a painter who has created a masterpiece that he keeps in a hidden place. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals itself to be a powerful commentary on the struggles of an artist and the importance of appreciation.

The first stanza sets the scene, with the painter describing the care and passion he put into creating his masterpiece. The second stanza reveals his desire to keep the painting hidden, perhaps out of fear that it will not be appreciated by others. This fear is common among artists, who often struggle to share their work with the world.

The turning point of the poem comes in the third stanza, when a little child stumbles upon the painting. The child’s wonder and awe at the beauty of the painting is a testament to the power of art to move people. The child’s innocent appreciation of the painting is a stark contrast to the painter’s own struggles to be recognized and appreciated.

The fourth stanza is particularly powerful, as the painter reflects on the hardships he has faced in his quest to create art. The bitterness and pain he has experienced are palpable, and the contrast between his struggles and the child’s appreciation of his work is striking.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the painter imagines the child seeking him out in later years to express his gratitude for the beauty he has brought into the world. This final stanza is a poignant reminder that, even in the face of hardship and struggle, the appreciation of even one person can make all the difference.

Overall, “My Picture” is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the struggle of artists to be recognized and appreciated. It is a reminder that, even in the face of hardship and pain, the power of art to move and inspire is worth the struggle. Robert Service’s masterful use of language and imagery make this poem a true masterpiece, and one that will continue to move and inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry My Picture: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, a renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his unique style of writing. His poems are known for their simplicity, yet they are powerful enough to evoke strong emotions in the readers. One such poem that stands out is "My Picture" - a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a picture of himself that he has hung on the wall. He says that the picture is a reminder of his youth and the days when he was full of life. However, as he looks at the picture, he realizes that he is no longer the same person he used to be. He has aged, and his body has become weak. He knows that death is inevitable, and he wonders what will happen to him after he dies.

The speaker then goes on to describe the different stages of life - childhood, youth, and old age. He says that life is like a river that flows from its source to the sea. It starts as a small stream, gains momentum as it flows, and finally merges with the vast ocean. Similarly, life starts with birth, gains momentum as we grow up, and finally ends with death.

The poem then takes a philosophical turn as the speaker contemplates the meaning of life. He wonders if life is just a fleeting moment, a mere blip in the grand scheme of things. He questions the purpose of life and whether it has any significance in the larger context of the universe.

As the poem progresses, the speaker becomes more introspective and starts to question his own existence. He wonders if he has made a difference in the world, if he has left a mark that will be remembered after he is gone. He realizes that he has lived a life of mediocrity, and that his achievements are insignificant in the grand scheme of things.

The poem ends with the speaker accepting his mortality and the inevitability of death. He says that he is ready to face death, and that he hopes to be remembered for the good things he has done in his life. He hopes that his legacy will live on, and that he will be remembered as a good person who lived a meaningful life.

"My Picture" is a powerful poem that captures the essence of life and death. It is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time we have. It is a call to action, urging us to live a life of purpose and meaning. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's mastery of the English language, and his ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and powerful way.

The poem is written in free verse, which gives it a natural flow and rhythm. The language is simple and easy to understand, yet it is powerful enough to evoke strong emotions in the readers. The use of imagery is also noteworthy, as it helps to create a vivid picture in the reader's mind.

The poem is also notable for its philosophical undertones. It raises important questions about the meaning of life and the purpose of existence. It challenges us to think deeply about our own lives and the legacy we want to leave behind.

In conclusion, "My Picture" is a masterpiece of Robert Service that captures the essence of life and death. It is a powerful reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should make the most of the time we have. The poem is a testament to Robert Service's mastery of the English language, and his ability to convey complex ideas in a simple and powerful way. It is a poem that will stay with the readers long after they have finished reading it, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

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