'Innocence' by Robert Service
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The height of wisdom seems to me
That of a child;
So let my ageing vision be
Serene and mild.
The depth of folly, I aver,
Is to fish deep
In that dark pool of science where
Truth-demons sleep.
Let me not be a bearded sage
Seeing too clear;
In issues of the atom age
Man-doom I fear.
So long as living's outward show
To me is fair,
What lies behind I do not know,
And do not care.
Of woeful fears of future ill
That earth-folk haunt,
Let me, as radiant meadow rill,
Be ignorant.
Aye, though a sorry dunce I be
In learning's school,
Lord, marvellously make of me
Your Happy Fool!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Innocence by Robert Service: An Exploration of Childhood Nostalgia
Robert Service's poem "Innocence" is a beautiful ode to childhood and the memories that it holds. The poem speaks to the longing for simpler times, for the innocence of youth that we all carry with us into adulthood. With its vivid imagery and nostalgic tone, "Innocence" captures the essence of what it means to be young and unburdened by the complexities of life.
At its heart, "Innocence" is a poem about the power of memory. Service uses the imagery of the countryside and the natural world to evoke a sense of nostalgia for a time long past. The poem's opening lines set the stage for this tone, as Service describes the "drowsy smoky air" of the summer evening and the "whispering wheat" that rustles in the breeze. These descriptions create a sense of peace and tranquility, and serve to transport the reader back in time to a simpler era.
As the poem unfolds, we see the narrator reminiscing about his childhood and the carefree days he spent playing in the fields and woods. He speaks of lying in the grass and staring at the sky, of climbing trees and chasing after butterflies. These images are all familiar to anyone who has ever been a child, and they serve to connect the reader with the narrator's experiences.
One of the most striking things about "Innocence" is its use of language. Service's writing is simple and straightforward, yet it is also incredibly evocative. He uses words like "whispering," "drowsy," and "golden" to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. This is particularly true in the poem's closing lines, which describe the narrator's longing for the innocence of his youth. Service writes:
Oh for a day when I might lie
Beside the haystacks in the sun,
With dreams that never seem to die,
And memories of days that's done.
These lines are incredibly powerful, as they speak to a universal longing for a simpler time. The idea of lying in the sun and dreaming of days gone by is something that anyone can relate to, and Service's use of language only serves to heighten this sense of nostalgia.
Another interesting aspect of "Innocence" is its use of symbolism. The poem is filled with references to the natural world, from the "whispering wheat" to the "poppies red as wine." These symbols serve to reinforce the poem's sense of nostalgia, as they are all things that are associated with a simpler time. The poppies, for example, are a traditional symbol of sleep and death, and they serve to remind the reader that the innocence of childhood is something that is lost forever.
Ultimately, "Innocence" is a powerful poem that speaks to the universal longing for a simpler time. Through its use of vivid imagery, evocative language, and timeless symbolism, it captures the essence of childhood and the memories that we all carry with us into adulthood. Whether we are young or old, the longing for innocence remains, and "Innocence" is a beautiful reminder of the power of memory and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Innocence is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a renowned poet known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences. This poem is a beautiful representation of the innocence of childhood and the loss of that innocence as we grow older. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and overall message of this timeless piece of literature.
The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his childhood and the innocence he once possessed. He describes how he used to play in the fields and how the world was once a magical place full of wonder and excitement. The speaker then goes on to describe how he lost his innocence as he grew older and how the world became a darker and more complicated place.
The theme of innocence is prevalent throughout the poem, and the speaker uses vivid imagery to convey the loss of this innocence. For example, he describes how the "roses withered on the stem" and how the "sunshine turned to gray." These images represent the loss of beauty and joy in the world as we grow older and become more aware of the harsh realities of life.
Another theme that is explored in this poem is the idea of nostalgia. The speaker longs for the innocence of his childhood and the simplicity of that time. He describes how he wishes he could go back to those days and how he feels a sense of sadness and longing for that time. This theme is relatable to many people, as we often look back on our childhood with a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time.
The use of literary devices in this poem is also noteworthy. The speaker uses repetition to emphasize the loss of innocence, with the phrase "I lost my childhood innocence" repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and emphasizes the importance of this loss.
The use of metaphor is also prevalent in this poem. The speaker compares the loss of innocence to the fading of a rose and the turning of sunshine to gray. These metaphors create a sense of sadness and loss, and they help to convey the emotions that the speaker is feeling.
The overall message of this poem is one of loss and longing. The speaker is mourning the loss of his innocence and the beauty of the world that he once knew. However, there is also a sense of hope in the poem, as the speaker acknowledges that he can never go back to his childhood but that he can still appreciate the beauty of the world around him.
In conclusion, Innocence is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of childhood and the loss of innocence that comes with growing older. The themes of innocence and nostalgia are explored through vivid imagery and the use of literary devices such as repetition and metaphor. The overall message of the poem is one of loss and longing, but there is also a sense of hope and appreciation for the beauty of the world that still exists. This poem is a timeless piece of literature that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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