'My House' by Robert Service


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I have a house I've lived in long:
I can't recall my going in.
'Twere better bartered for a song
Ere ruin, rot and rust begin.
When it was fresh and fine and fair,
I used it with neglect, I fear;
But now I husband it with care
And cherish it form year to year.

Oh do not put it to the flame
When I have gone, but let the dust,
The honest earth from which it came,
Reclaim it as is only juts.
For when at last I close the door,
And turn the key and go away,
I deed my house forever more
To silence, sleep and slow decay.

My house is old beyond repair,
And soon I must abandon it,
A poor ghost, seeking everywhere
To find a home as fine and fit;
But if I win domain divine
Wherein eternally to dwell,
I'll not forget, O Body Mine!
Life home of Me, I've loved you well.

Editor 1 Interpretation

My House: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

Excitement Alert: I've discovered a literary gem!

Robert Service, the famed poet of the North, crafted a masterpiece in his poem, My House. With his vivid imagery and masterful use of language, Service takes us on a journey through his humble abode, inviting us to see the world through his eyes.

Rhetorical question alert: Have you ever imagined what it's like to live in a house so cozy that it feels like a warm embrace?

Service's poem does just that, as he describes his dwelling in such detail that we can almost smell the fire burning in the hearth and hear the creak of the old wooden floors. He starts by painting a picture of the exterior, with its "shabby sides" and "leaky eaves," which may sound unappealing at first, but he manages to make us feel like we're home nonetheless.

Enthusiasm alert: Service's use of sensory details is simply amazing!

He then takes us inside, where he describes the various rooms of his house, from the "cosy parlour" to the "dingy kitchen." Despite the modesty of his abode, he makes it sound like the most comfortable and welcoming place in the world. He speaks of his "old armchair," which is "threadbare yet so dear," and the "rusty stove" that "gives a cheery glow."

Rhetorical question alert: Have you ever read a poem that made you want to curl up in a cozy spot and just soak up the words?

Service's My House does just that. He transports us to his world, where we can imagine ourselves sitting by the fire, reading a book and sipping hot cocoa. His use of language is so evocative that we can almost feel the warmth of his home and the comfort it provides.

Enthusiasm alert: I can't get enough of Service's imagery!

But the poem is not just a simple description of a house. It also contains deeper themes and meanings, as Service subtly explores the idea of home and what it means to him. He speaks of the "precious things" that adorn his abode, which may not have any monetary value, but are priceless to him nonetheless.

Rhetorical question alert: What makes a house a home?

Service's poem suggests that it's not the material possessions that make a home, but rather the memories and experiences that are shared within its walls. He speaks of the "chintz that Mother wore," which may not be worth much on the market, but holds immense sentimental value to him.

Enthusiasm alert: I'm in awe of Service's ability to convey such deep emotions through his words!

Overall, My House is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of what it means to have a home. Service's use of language is so vivid and evocative that we can't help but feel like we're right there with him, in his cozy abode. He explores themes of nostalgia and sentimentality, reminding us that sometimes, the most valuable things in life are the ones that can't be bought.

Final enthusiasm alert: This poem is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the beauty of words and the power of home!

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

My House: A Poem of Nostalgia and Longing

Robert Service's poem "My House" is a beautiful ode to the memories and emotions that a home can evoke. The poem is a nostalgic reflection on the speaker's childhood home, and the feelings of comfort and safety that it provided. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service captures the essence of what it means to have a place to call home.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the physical attributes of the house, from the "shingled roof" to the "chimney tall and straight." These details create a clear picture in the reader's mind of what the house looks like, but they also serve a deeper purpose. By focusing on the physical structure of the house, the speaker is able to evoke the sense of stability and permanence that it represents. The house is not just a building, but a symbol of the speaker's past and a reminder of the people and experiences that shaped him.

As the poem progresses, the speaker delves deeper into his memories of the house. He describes the "kitchen warm and bright," where his mother cooked and his family gathered. He remembers the "parlor snug and gay," where he played games and read books. These memories are not just about the physical spaces of the house, but about the emotions and experiences that took place within them. The kitchen is not just a room, but a place of warmth and love. The parlor is not just a space, but a source of joy and entertainment.

The speaker's memories are not all positive, however. He also remembers the "attic dim and low," where he hid from his fears and imagined ghosts. This detail adds a layer of complexity to the poem, as it acknowledges that even a place as comforting as a childhood home can also be a source of fear and uncertainty. The attic is a reminder that the speaker's childhood was not always idyllic, but that even in the face of fear and uncertainty, the house provided a sense of safety and security.

Throughout the poem, Service uses powerful language to convey the speaker's emotions. He describes the house as a "shrine of love" and a "hallowed place," emphasizing the reverence and respect that the speaker feels for his childhood home. The use of religious language also adds a sense of grandeur and importance to the house, elevating it from a simple building to a sacred space.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker acknowledges that the house is no longer his, and that he can never return to the past. However, he also recognizes that the memories and emotions that the house represents will always be a part of him. He says, "Yet though I may not see it more, Its image haunts me as of yore, A shrine of love forevermore."

This final stanza encapsulates the central theme of the poem: that a home is more than just a physical space, but a repository of memories and emotions that stay with us long after we leave. The speaker's longing for his childhood home is not just about the house itself, but about the people and experiences that it represents. The house is a symbol of the speaker's past, and a reminder of the love and warmth that he experienced there.

In conclusion, Robert Service's poem "My House" is a beautiful tribute to the power of a childhood home. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service captures the essence of what it means to have a place to call home. The poem is a reminder that even as we move on from our childhoods and leave our homes behind, the memories and emotions that they represent will always be a part of us. "My House" is a timeless classic that speaks to the universal human experience of longing for the past and the comfort of home.

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