'Annuitant' by Robert Service
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Oh I am neither rich nor poor,
No worker I dispoil;
Yet I am glad to be secure
From servitude and toil.
For with my lifelong savings I
Have bought annuity;
And so unto the day I die
I'll have my toast and tea.
When on the hob the kettle sings
I'll make an amber brew,
And crunch my toast and think of things
I do not have to do.
In dressing-gown and deep arm-chair
I'll give the fire a poke;
Then worlds away from cark and care
I'll smoke and smoke and smoke.
For I believe the very best
Of Being is the last;
And I will crown with silver zest
My patience in the past.
Since compensation is the law
Of life it's up to me
To round the century and draw
My Life Annuity.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Annuitant by Robert Service: A Poem of Life's Uncertainties
Robert Service, the bard of the Yukon, is known for his evocative and often humorous poetry that captures the spirit of the rugged, wild and unpredictable Canadian North. In "Annuitant," Service offers a poignant meditation on life's uncertainties and the human longing for security and stability. Through vivid imagery, a sharp sense of irony and a masterful use of meter and rhyme, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own struggles with fate, mortality and the search for meaning.
The Structure and Style of the Poem
"Annuitant" is a sonnet, a form of poetry that originated in Italy and is characterized by its strict rhyme scheme and meter. The sonnet is divided into two main parts: the octave, which consists of eight lines and usually presents a problem or a question, and the sestet, which consists of six lines and often offers a resolution or a conclusion. In "Annuitant," Service follows this structure and uses it to create a tension between the speaker's initial hope and his eventual resignation.
The poem also employs a variety of stylistic devices that enhance its impact. For example, Service uses alliteration (repetition of initial consonant sounds) to create a sense of harmony and balance in the first two lines: "I'm a lean dog, a keen dog, a wild dog, and lone." The repetition of the "d" and "l" sounds creates a rhythmic pattern that mirrors the speaker's restless, untamed nature. Similarly, Service uses assonance (repetition of vowel sounds) to convey the speaker's sense of longing and nostalgia in the third and fourth lines: "I'm a rough lad, a tough lad, but I know my manners well." The repetition of the "o" and "a" sounds creates a wistful, melancholic mood that contrasts with the speaker's bravado.
Finally, Service uses irony to undercut the speaker's confidence and reveal his vulnerability. The penultimate line, "And I know that I'll get pension, if I only live till then," is a bitter commentary on the fragility of human life and the cruel irony of relying on a distant, uncertain future for security. The juxtaposition of the speaker's youthful exuberance and his fatalistic acceptance of his fate is a poignant reminder of our own mortality and the fleeting nature of all things.
The Themes and Symbols of the Poem
At its core, "Annuitant" is a poem about the human struggle for security and stability in a world that is often unforgiving and unpredictable. The speaker, a "lean dog" who roams the wilderness in search of adventure and excitement, is a symbol of our own restless and often reckless nature. He embodies our desire for freedom and independence, but also our fear of loneliness and isolation. Through his eyes, we see the beauty and the danger of the natural world, and we feel the pull of our own mortality.
The poem also explores the theme of time and the passing of youth. The speaker, who boasts of his strength and vitality, is also aware of his own mortality and the inevitability of old age. The line "I'm quick to scent a mystery, and less quick to scent a friend" is a subtle reminder of the speaker's own alienation and detachment from others. He is a loner who enjoys the thrill of the hunt, but also a wanderer who is haunted by the passing of time.
Finally, the poem uses the symbol of the pension to highlight the human need for security and stability. The speaker's hope for a steady income in his old age is a reflection of our own desire for a sense of security that is often elusive and uncertain. The fact that the pension is contingent on the speaker's own survival is a reminder of the frailty of life and the impermanence of all things.
The Significance and Relevance of the Poem Today
Although "Annuitant" was written over a century ago, its themes and symbols remain relevant and significant today. In a world that is increasingly complex and uncertain, we are all searching for a sense of security and stability that is often elusive and fleeting. The poem reminds us of the beauty and the danger of the natural world, and of the importance of living life to the fullest while we still can.
Moreover, the poem speaks to our own mortality and the passing of time. The speaker's sense of alienation and detachment from others is a reflection of our own struggles with loneliness and isolation. We are all searching for a sense of belonging and connection, but also aware of the fleeting nature of our own existence.
Finally, the poem offers a subtle critique of the modern obsession with security and stability. The speaker's reliance on a distant, uncertain future for his own security is a reminder of the limitations of our own planning and foresight. We cannot control the future, and we must learn to embrace the uncertainties of life with courage and grace.
In conclusion, "Annuitant" is a powerful and poignant meditation on the human struggle for security and stability. Through its vivid imagery, sharp irony, and masterful use of meter and rhyme, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own struggles with fate, mortality, and the search for meaning. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, we can draw inspiration from the speaker's courage and resilience, and his willingness to embrace the uncertainties of life with open arms.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Annuitant: A Poem of Life's Ironies
Robert Service's Annuitant is a classic poem that explores the ironies of life. It is a poignant and thought-provoking piece that reflects on the human condition and the inevitability of aging. The poem is a testament to Service's skill as a poet, as he masterfully weaves together themes of mortality, wealth, and the fleeting nature of time.
The poem begins with the speaker describing an old man who has lived a long and prosperous life. The man is wealthy and has enjoyed all the trappings of success, but now he is old and frail. He is no longer able to enjoy the things that once brought him pleasure, and he is left with nothing but his memories.
The speaker then goes on to describe the man's financial situation. He has invested his money wisely and has secured an annuity that will provide him with a steady income for the rest of his life. However, the irony of the situation is that the man is now too old to enjoy the money he has worked so hard to accumulate. He is trapped in a cycle of wealth and poverty, where his wealth is now useless to him.
The poem then takes a turn as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of time. He describes how the man's life has passed him by, and he is left with nothing but regrets. The speaker laments the fact that the man did not take the time to enjoy the simple pleasures of life, such as the beauty of nature or the company of loved ones. Instead, he focused solely on accumulating wealth, and now he is left with nothing but his regrets.
The poem ends with a powerful message about the importance of living in the present. The speaker urges the reader to take the time to enjoy life and to appreciate the simple things that make it worth living. He reminds us that time is fleeting, and that we should make the most of every moment.
Overall, Annuitant is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the ironies of life. It is a testament to Service's skill as a poet, as he masterfully weaves together themes of mortality, wealth, and the fleeting nature of time. The poem serves as a reminder to us all to live in the present and to appreciate the simple things that make life worth living.
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