'Little Brother' by Robert Service


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Wars have been and wars will be
Till the human race is run;
Battles red by land and sea,
Never peace beneath the sun.
I am old and little care;
I'll be cold, my lips be dumb:
Brother mine, beware, beware . . .
Evil looms the wrath to come.

Eastern skies are dark with strife,
Western lands are stark with fear;
Rumours of world-war are rife,
Armageddon draweth near.
If your carcase you would save,
Hear, oh hear, the dreadful drum!
Fly to forest, cower in cave . . .
Brother, heed the wrath to come!

Brother, you were born too late;
Human life is but a breath.
Men delve deep, where darkly wait
Sinister the seeds of death,
There's no moment to delay;
Sorrowing the stars are blind.
Little Brother, how I pray
You may sanctuary find.
Peoples of the world succumb . . .
Fly, poor fools, the WRATH TO COME!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Little Brother by Robert Service: A Poem of Sibling Love and Loyalty

Oh, what a beautiful poem is Robert Service's "Little Brother"! It is a touching tribute to the bond between siblings, and a hymn to the power of love and loyalty. In this 32-line piece, Service captures the essence of brotherhood and sisterhood, and shows us how a simple act of kindness can make all the difference in the world. Let us dive deep into the poem and see what makes it so special.

Context and Background

"Little Brother" was first published in Service's collection of poems, "The Spell of the Yukon and Other Verses," in 1907. Service was a Canadian poet who became famous for his ballads and narrative poems that celebrated the rugged beauty and spirit of the Yukon, where he lived for several years. He was known as the "Bard of the Yukon" and his poems were popular among the gold rush miners and the people of the frontier. "Little Brother" is one of his lesser-known works, but it is no less powerful than his more famous pieces, such as "The Cremation of Sam McGee" or "The Shooting of Dan McGrew."

Summary and Analysis

The poem begins with the speaker recalling a time when he was a little boy and he had a little brother who was even smaller. The speaker describes how he used to protect and care for his brother, whom he calls his "pet." He remembers how his brother would follow him everywhere like a faithful dog, and how he would teach him how to do things that only big boys could do, like climbing trees and catching fish. The speaker feels a sense of pride and affection for his little brother, and he sees him as a precious gift from God.

However, as the years go by, the speaker grows up and goes away to school, leaving his little brother behind. He forgets about him and becomes too busy with his own life to remember the little boy who used to worship him. But one day, when the speaker returns home from school, he sees his little brother waiting for him at the gate, looking thin and pale. The speaker realizes with a shock that his brother has been ill and neglected, and that nobody has taken care of him.

The speaker is overcome with guilt and remorse, and he rushes to his brother's side to comfort him. He takes him into his arms and tells him how sorry he is for abandoning him, and how much he loves him. He promises to never leave him again, and to always be there for him. The little brother looks up at the speaker with trust and gratitude, and the two boys embrace each other in a moment of pure love and forgiveness.

The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the lesson he has learned from his little brother. He realizes that true happiness comes from giving love, not receiving it, and that the greatest joy in life is to help others. He vows to always cherish his little brother and to be a good big brother to him, no matter what happens. The poem is a tribute to the power of family ties and the importance of brotherly love.

Themes and Motifs

The central theme of "Little Brother" is the bond between siblings, and how it can survive even the greatest distances and differences. The poem shows how the speaker and his little brother share a deep connection that transcends time and space, and how they are bound by a love that is stronger than anything else. The motif of protection and care is also prominent in the poem, as the speaker sees his little brother as someone who needs his guidance and support. The motif of guilt and redemption is another important theme, as the speaker realizes the error of his ways and seeks to make amends for his neglect of his brother. The poem is also a meditation on the nature of happiness and the importance of compassion, as the speaker learns that true joy comes from helping others and giving love.

Language and Style

The language and style of "Little Brother" are simple and direct, yet deeply emotional and evocative. Service uses everyday words and phrases to convey the sentiments of the speaker, and he employs a straightforward narrative structure to tell the story of the two brothers. The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a sense of immediacy and intimacy, and it is full of vivid imagery and sensory details that transport the reader to the world of the poem. The rhyming scheme of the poem is AABB, which creates a musical effect and adds to the overall charm of the piece. The poem is also notable for its use of repetition, as the phrase "little brother" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the importance of this character in the speaker's life.

Interpretation and Significance

"Little Brother" is a poem that speaks to the heart and soul of all siblings, and to anyone who has ever felt the power of love and loyalty. It is a simple yet profound piece that reminds us of the importance of family ties and the value of human connection. The poem shows us that even in the midst of our busy lives and personal struggles, we can always find solace and inspiration in the people who love us and who we love in return. The poem is also a reminder that we should never take our loved ones for granted, and that we should always strive to be there for them, no matter what.

In conclusion, "Little Brother" is a gem of a poem that deserves to be read and cherished by people of all ages and backgrounds. It is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of human experience, and to touch our hearts in profound ways. As we read this beautiful piece, we are reminded of the joys and sorrows of life, and of the enduring power of love and family. We are also left with a sense of hope and inspiration, knowing that no matter what happens, there will always be someone who loves us and who we can love in return.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Little Brother: A Poem of Brotherhood and Love

Robert Service’s Little Brother is a timeless poem that celebrates the bond between siblings and the power of love. Written in 1910, the poem tells the story of a young boy who is lost in the wilderness and his older brother’s heroic efforts to save him. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service captures the essence of brotherhood and the human spirit.

The poem begins with the introduction of the two brothers, the older one being the narrator. The younger brother is described as “a little lad of seven years” who is “full of spirit, full of play.” The narrator, on the other hand, is “a sturdy lad of ten” who is “wise and brave and bold.” From the very beginning, we see the contrast between the two brothers, with the older one assuming the role of the protector and the younger one being the one who needs protection.

As the poem progresses, we see the younger brother getting lost in the wilderness while playing. The narrator describes the scene in vivid detail, painting a picture of a dark and dangerous forest that is full of unknown dangers. The younger brother’s cries for help are heart-wrenching, and we can feel the narrator’s fear and desperation as he tries to find his little brother.

The turning point of the poem comes when the narrator finally finds his little brother, who is “cold and wet and wan.” The narrator’s love for his brother shines through as he takes care of him, warming him up and comforting him. The bond between the two brothers is palpable, and we can feel the narrator’s relief and joy at finding his little brother safe and sound.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it captures the essence of brotherhood and love. The narrator says, “I’m glad that I could find you, / And bring you safe to bed. / For you’re my little brother, / And I love you so,” encapsulating the theme of the poem in a few simple words. The love between siblings is unbreakable, and the bond between brothers is something that cannot be broken.

One of the most striking aspects of Little Brother is the use of language and imagery. Service’s use of vivid descriptions and powerful language creates a sense of urgency and danger that draws the reader in. The forest is described as “dark and deep and still,” and the younger brother’s cries for help are described as “shrill and wild and thin.” These descriptions create a sense of danger and fear that is palpable, making the reader feel as though they are right there with the narrator, searching for his little brother.

Another aspect of the poem that stands out is the use of repetition. The phrase “little brother” is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the bond between the two siblings. The repetition of this phrase creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, reminding the reader of the love that exists between siblings.

The theme of brotherhood and love is one that is universal and timeless. Little Brother celebrates the bond between siblings and the power of love to overcome even the most difficult of challenges. The poem is a reminder that no matter what happens, the love between siblings is unbreakable and will always endure.

In conclusion, Robert Service’s Little Brother is a powerful poem that celebrates the bond between siblings and the power of love. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service captures the essence of brotherhood and the human spirit. The poem is a timeless reminder that no matter what happens, the love between siblings is unbreakable and will always endure.

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