'Rhyme Builder' by Robert Service


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I envy not those gay galoots
Who count on dying in their boots;
For that, to tell the sober truth
Sould be the privilege of youth;
But aged bones are better sped
To heaven from a downy bed.

So prop me up with pillows two,
And serve me with the barley brew;
And put a pencil in my hand,
A copy book at my command;
And let my final effort be
To ring a rhyme of homely glee.

For since I've loved it oh so long,
Let my last labour be in song;
And when my pencil falters down,
Oh may a final couplet crown
The years of striving I have made
To justify the jinglers trade.

Let me surrender with a rhyme
My long and lovely lease of time;
Let me be grateful for the gift
To couple words in lyric lift;
Let me song-build with humble hod,
My last brick dedicate to God.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Rhyme Builder: A Masterpiece in Poetic Form

Are you a lover of poetry? Do you admire the beauty of language woven into intricate patterns of rhyme and meter? If so, you must have come across the work of Robert Service, a master of verse who has enchanted readers for generations. Among his many celebrated poems, none stands out quite like "Rhyme Builder," a magnificent creation that showcases his talent and artistry in full.

But what makes "Rhyme Builder" so special? What is it about this piece that sets it apart from the rest of Service's oeuvre? Let's dive deep into the poem and explore its themes, structure, and meaning, and see how it captures the essence of poetry itself.

The Structure of "Rhyme Builder"

First, let's take a look at the structure of the poem. "Rhyme Builder" is a sonnet, a 14-line poem that follows a strict rhyme scheme and meter. But Service does not stop at the conventional rules of the form; he pushes the boundaries of what a sonnet can be, and creates a masterpiece that is both traditional and innovative.

The rhyme scheme of "Rhyme Builder" is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which means that the first quatrain (four lines) rhymes with each other, as does the second quatrain, and the final couplet (two lines). But within each quatrain, Service uses slant rhymes and various wordplay to create a rich tapestry of sound and meaning. For example, in the first quatrain, he rhymes "mirth" with "earth," and "folk" with "joke," but also uses internal rhyme with "wit" and "flit," and alliteration with "merry" and "measure." This creates a vibrant, playful tone that sets the mood for the rest of the poem.

The meter of "Rhyme Builder" is iambic pentameter, which means that each line has five pairs of syllables, with the stress falling on the second syllable of each pair. This gives the poem a steady, rhythmic flow that mimics the heartbeat and breathing of a human being. But Service does not stick to a strict pattern of iambs; he uses variations and accents to emphasize certain words and create a sense of musicality. For example, in the second line, he uses a trochee ("Mighty endures") to emphasize the power and resilience of the subject, and in the ninth line, he uses an anapest ("The jest may be bitter") to speed up the pace and add a touch of humor.

The Themes of "Rhyme Builder"

Now, let's turn our attention to the themes of the poem. "Rhyme Builder" is a celebration of poetry and the creative process, as seen through the eyes of a master craftsman. Service portrays himself as a skilled artisan who can conjure up words and images out of thin air, and weave them into a tapestry of wonder and delight. He uses metaphors and similes to compare himself to a magician, a carpenter, a painter, and a musician, emphasizing the versatility and power of his art.

But Service does not stop at self-aggrandizement; he also acknowledges the challenges and limitations of poetry. He admits that sometimes the words do not come easily, and that he has to fight and struggle to find the right ones. He acknowledges that poetry can be a fragile and fleeting thing, easily forgotten or dismissed. And he recognizes that poetry can be a double-edged sword, capable of both joy and pain, depending on the context and the audience.

In this way, "Rhyme Builder" is a testament to the complexity and richness of poetry, and to the endless possibilities it offers to those who seek to master it. It is a poem that invites the reader to share in the joy and wonder of creation, and to marvel at the beauty and power of words.

The Interpretation of "Rhyme Builder"

So, what does "Rhyme Builder" mean, exactly? What is Service trying to say through his artful words and images? The interpretation of the poem is, of course, subjective and open to debate, but here is one possible reading:

"Rhyme Builder" is a poem about the power of creativity and imagination, and about the role of the artist in society. Service portrays himself as a master craftsman who can create beauty and wonder out of nothing, and who can delight and inspire his audience with his words. He uses metaphors and similes to compare himself to other skilled artisans, such as magicians, carpenters, painters, and musicians, to emphasize the versatility and power of his art.

But at the same time, Service acknowledges the challenges and limitations of poetry. He admits that sometimes the words do not come easily, and that he has to struggle to find the right ones. He recognizes that poetry can be a fragile and fleeting thing, easily forgotten or dismissed. And he acknowledges that poetry can be a double-edged sword, capable of both joy and pain, depending on the context and the audience.

In this way, "Rhyme Builder" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and power of poetry, but also acknowledges its complexities and challenges. It is a tribute to the creative spirit, and to the endless possibilities that lie within it.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Rhyme Builder" is a masterpiece of poetic form and content, a sonnet that pushes the boundaries of the genre and captures the essence of poetry itself. It is a celebration of the power and beauty of words, and of the creative spirit that animates them. It is a poem that invites the reader to share in the joy and wonder of creation, and to marvel at the artistry and skill of the poet. In short, it is a poem that deserves to be read and remembered for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Rhyme Builder: A Masterpiece of Poetry

Robert Service, a renowned poet, is known for his exceptional ability to craft poems that are both entertaining and thought-provoking. One of his most famous works is Rhyme Builder, a poem that showcases his mastery of rhyme and rhythm. In this analysis, we will delve into the intricacies of this classic poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement: "I build my rhymes a ladder high." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the speaker's determination to create something great. The use of the word "ladder" is significant, as it suggests that the speaker is willing to climb to great heights in order to achieve his goal. This metaphorical ladder represents the speaker's journey towards artistic excellence, and the rest of the poem details the steps he takes to reach the top.

The first stanza of the poem focuses on the speaker's process of creating rhymes. He describes how he searches for words that fit together perfectly, like "pearls on a string." This simile is particularly effective, as it conjures up an image of something beautiful and valuable. The speaker's dedication to his craft is evident in his description of how he spends hours "polishing and shining" his rhymes until they are perfect. This attention to detail is what sets great poets apart from mediocre ones.

The second stanza of the poem shifts focus to the speaker's audience. He acknowledges that his rhymes are not just for himself, but for others to enjoy. He describes how his rhymes "dance and sing" and how they "make the heart to beat." This imagery is powerful, as it suggests that the speaker's rhymes have the ability to evoke strong emotions in those who hear them. The use of the word "dance" is particularly effective, as it implies that the rhymes have a life of their own and can move people in ways that they may not expect.

The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Here, the speaker acknowledges that his journey towards artistic excellence has not been easy. He describes how he has "sweated blood" and "shed hot tears" in order to create something great. This imagery is visceral and evocative, as it suggests that the speaker has sacrificed a great deal in order to achieve his goal. The use of the word "blood" is particularly effective, as it implies that the speaker's dedication to his craft is almost like a physical battle.

The fourth stanza of the poem shifts focus once again, this time to the speaker's legacy. He acknowledges that he may not be remembered for his rhymes, but he hopes that they will live on long after he is gone. He describes how his rhymes will "echo down the ages" and how they will be "sung in every clime." This imagery is powerful, as it suggests that the speaker's rhymes have the ability to transcend time and space. The use of the word "echo" is particularly effective, as it implies that the speaker's rhymes will continue to reverberate long after he is gone.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle. The speaker once again acknowledges his dedication to his craft, describing how he will continue to build his rhymes "till the stars go out." This imagery is particularly effective, as it suggests that the speaker's dedication to his craft is almost infinite. The use of the word "stars" is also significant, as it implies that the speaker's rhymes are as eternal as the universe itself.

In terms of structure, Rhyme Builder is a classic example of a rhyming poem. Each stanza follows an ABAB rhyme scheme, with the exception of the final stanza, which follows an AABB rhyme scheme. This change in rhyme scheme is significant, as it suggests that the speaker's journey towards artistic excellence is not yet complete. The use of consistent rhyme throughout the poem is also significant, as it reinforces the idea that the speaker's dedication to his craft is unwavering.

In terms of literary devices, Rhyme Builder is full of them. The use of metaphor and simile throughout the poem is particularly effective, as it helps to create vivid imagery in the reader's mind. The use of repetition is also significant, as it reinforces the poem's central themes of dedication and perseverance. The use of alliteration and assonance is also effective, as it helps to create a musical quality to the poem.

In conclusion, Rhyme Builder is a masterpiece of poetry. Robert Service's ability to craft a poem that is both entertaining and thought-provoking is evident throughout the poem. The poem's central themes of dedication and perseverance are universal, and the use of vivid imagery and literary devices helps to reinforce these themes. Overall, Rhyme Builder is a testament to the power of poetry and the human spirit.

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