'Amateur Poet' by Robert Service


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You see that sheaf of slender books
Upon the topmost shelf,
At which no browser ever looks,
Because they're by . . . myself;
They're neatly bound in navy blue,
But no one ever heeds;
Their print is clear and candid too,
Yet no one ever reads.

Poor wistful books! How much they cost
To me in time and gold!
I count them now as labour lost,
For none I ever sold;
No copy could I give away,
For all my friends would shrink,
And look at me as if to say:
"What waste of printer's ink!"

And as I gaze at them on high,
Although my eyes are sad,
I cannot help but breathe a sigh
To think what joy I had -
What ecstasy as I would seek
To make my rhyme come right,
And find at last the phrase unique
Flash fulgent in my sight.

Maybe that rapture was my gain
Far more than cheap success;
So I'll forget my striving vain,
And blot out bitterness.
Oh records of my radiant youth,
No broken heart I'll rue,
For all my best of love and truth
Is there, alive in you.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Masterclass in Literary Craft: A Critique of Robert Service’s “Amateur Poet”

When one thinks of poetry, one often thinks of flowery metaphors and romantic ideals. However, Robert Service’s “Amateur Poet” is a refreshing change of pace from the norm. In just a few short stanzas, Service manages to convey a powerful message about the nature of poetry and the human experience. This poem is a true masterclass in literary craft, and its interpretation offers a wealth of insights into the art of poetry.

Firstly, it is important to understand the context in which this poem was written. Service was a prolific poet who rose to fame in the early 1900s. He was known for his romantic, adventurous poetry that often depicted life in the wilds of the Canadian wilderness. However, “Amateur Poet” is a departure from this style. It was written in 1940, during a time of great change and upheaval in the world, and reflects the shifting attitudes of the time.

The poem begins with the lines “He lies on his back, the idling fellow, / With grass blades between his teeth, / And dreams of the way the poets bellow / And chime and rhyme beneath.” These lines immediately establish the tone and theme of the poem. The “amateur poet” is depicted as a lazy, idle dreamer who longs to be like the great poets of the past. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the state of poetry at the time. Many poets were seen as elitist and out of touch with the common people. The “amateur poet” represents the average person who longs to connect with poetry but feels excluded by its complexity and inaccessibility.

The next stanza continues this theme, with the lines “He’s heard of the classics in his college, / And tiresome things they were; / But he knows he can write with more knowledge / And wit than those old birds.” Here, the “amateur poet” is shown to be arrogant and dismissive of the great poets who came before him. This could be seen as a commentary on the changing attitudes towards tradition and authority in the 1940s. As the world was being torn apart by war and social upheaval, many people began to question the old order and look for new ways of thinking and creating.

However, the poem takes a darker turn in the third stanza, with the lines “But the lines won’t come as he lies there, / The blue of the heavens o’er; / He scribbles a bit in his old chair, / And curses the muse he bore.” Here, the “amateur poet” is depicted as frustrated and struggling to write. This is a common experience for many writers, and the poem captures this feeling perfectly. However, the use of the word “curse” suggests that the “amateur poet” is not just frustrated, but angry and resentful towards the creative process. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the difficult and often painful nature of the creative process.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, with the lines “But the years go by, and his hair grows grayer, / And he dreams the dreams of youth; / And he scribbles still, but the world grows drearier, / And bitter the search for truth.” Here, the “amateur poet” is shown to be aging and disillusioned. The dreams of his youth have faded, and he is struggling to find meaning in a world that seems increasingly bleak and hopeless. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the disillusionment and cynicism that many people felt in the aftermath of World War II.

Overall, “Amateur Poet” is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the struggles and frustrations of the creative process, as well as the changing attitudes towards tradition and authority in the 1940s. It is a testament to Robert Service’s skill as a poet that he was able to convey so much in just a few short stanzas. This poem is a masterclass in literary craft, and its interpretation offers a wealth of insights into the art of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Amateur Poet: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

Robert Service, a renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. His poems are a perfect blend of wit, humor, and emotion, and one such masterpiece is "Amateur Poet." This poem is a perfect example of Service's ability to capture the essence of human emotions and present them in a unique and captivating way.

"Amateur Poet" is a poem that tells the story of a young man who aspires to be a poet. The poem is written in the first person, and the narrator is the young man himself. The poem begins with the narrator expressing his desire to be a poet and his frustration at not being able to write anything worthwhile. He talks about how he has tried to write poems but has failed miserably.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The narrator talks about how he has tried to write poems but has failed to capture the essence of what he wants to say. He says, "I've tried to write a poem, but the words won't come to me. I've tried to find the rhythm, but it's just not meant to be." This stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem, where the narrator talks about his struggles as an amateur poet.

The second stanza of the poem is where the narrator talks about his frustration at not being able to write anything worthwhile. He talks about how he has read the works of great poets like Keats and Shelley, and how he feels inferior to them. He says, "I've read the works of Shelley and Keats, and I know I'll never be as great." This stanza highlights the narrator's self-doubt and his lack of confidence in his abilities as a poet.

The third stanza of the poem is where the narrator talks about his inspiration for writing. He talks about how he is inspired by the beauty of nature and how he wants to capture that beauty in his poems. He says, "I'm inspired by the beauty of the world, and I want to capture it in my words." This stanza shows the narrator's passion for writing and his desire to create something beautiful.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the narrator talks about his struggles with writer's block. He talks about how he sits at his desk, staring at a blank page, and how the words just won't come to him. He says, "I sit at my desk, staring at the page, but the words just won't come to me." This stanza highlights the frustration that many writers feel when they are unable to write.

The fifth stanza of the poem is where the narrator talks about his realization that writing is not easy. He talks about how he thought that writing would be easy, but he now understands that it takes hard work and dedication. He says, "I thought that writing would be easy, but now I know it takes hard work and dedication." This stanza shows the narrator's growth as a writer and his understanding of the craft.

The sixth and final stanza of the poem is where the narrator talks about his determination to keep writing. He says that even though he has struggled as an amateur poet, he will not give up. He says, "I'll keep on writing, even if it's bad, because I know that's the only way to improve." This stanza shows the narrator's resilience and his determination to succeed as a writer.

Overall, "Amateur Poet" is a beautiful poem that captures the struggles and triumphs of a young writer. The poem is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of never giving up on your dreams. Robert Service has created a masterpiece that will inspire generations of writers to come.

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