'The Pines' by Robert Service
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We sleep in the sleep of ages, the bleak, barbarian pines;
The gray moss drapes us like sages, and closer we lock our lines,
And deeper we clutch through the gelid gloom where never a sunbeam shines.
On the flanks of the storm-gored ridges are our black battalions massed;
We surge in a host to the sullen coast, and we sing in the ocean blast;
From empire of sea to empire of snow we grip our empire fast.
To the niggard lands were we driven, 'twixt desert and floes are we penned;
To us was the Northland given, ours to stronghold and defend;
Ours till the world be riven in the crash of the utter end;
Ours from the bleak beginning, through the aeons of death-like sleep;
Ours from the shock when the naked rock was hurled from the hissing deep;
Ours through the twilight ages of weary glacier creep.
Wind of the East, Wind of the West, wandering to and fro,
Chant your songs in our topmost boughs, that the sons of men may know
The peerless pine was the first to come, and the pine will be last to go!
We pillar the halls of perfumed gloom; we plume where the eagles soar;
The North-wind swoops from the brooding Pole, and our ancients crash and roar;
But where one falls from the crumbling walls shoots up a hardy score.
We spring from the gloom of the canyon's womb; in the valley's lap we lie;
From the white foam-fringe, where the breakers cringe to the peaks that tusk the sky,
We climb, and we peer in the crag-locked mere that gleams like a golden eye.
Gain to the verge of the hog-back ridge where the vision ranges free:
Pines and pines and the shadow of pines as far as the eye can see;
A steadfast legion of stalwart knights in dominant empery.
Sun, moon and stars give answer; shall we not staunchly stand,
Even as now, forever, wards of the wilder strand,
Sentinels of the stillness, lords of the last, lone land?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Oh, The Pines! One of the most celebrated poems ever written by Robert Service. This captivating piece of literature, written in 1930, has been a source of inspiration for millions of people over the years. It is a poem that has stood the test of time and continues to be relevant to this day. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deep into the poem to uncover its secrets, its mysteries, and its beauty.
The poem opens with a vivid description of the pines, “Oh, I have loved the pines since ever I was young, The waving, feathery pines that softly sigh”. The poet's love for the pines is evident from the very beginning. The use of the word “feathery” to describe the pines is particularly noteworthy. It is an apt description, as the needles of the pine trees do indeed look like feathers. The use of alliteration in “waving, feathery pines” adds to the musical quality of the poem.
The second stanza of the poem takes us deeper into the forest, “The needles of the pine, they say, are spun from threads of gold”. This line is particularly intriguing. It suggests that there is something more to the pines than meets the eye. The fact that the needles are said to be spun from threads of gold adds to the mystique of the poem. It makes us wonder if there is some magical quality to the pine trees that we are not aware of.
The third stanza of the poem is where we begin to see the true beauty of the pines. “And when the wind doth play among them, soft and low, You seem to hear the laughter of the pines”. This line is pure magic. It paints a vivid picture of the wind playing among the pines, and the sound of the wind is likened to the laughter of the trees. It is a beautiful metaphor that captures the essence of the pines.
The fourth stanza of the poem takes a darker turn. “Oh, have you ever lain beneath the pines at noon, When, all above you, only blue sky shows, And felt the coolness of the northern breeze make play, While faintly from the distance comes the sound of human woes?” This stanza is particularly poignant. It captures the duality of nature, the beauty and the darkness. The poet describes lying beneath the pines, feeling the coolness of the northern breeze, and yet, in the distance, he can hear the sound of human suffering. It is a reminder that even in the midst of beauty, there is pain and suffering.
The fifth stanza of the poem is where we see the true power of the pines. “The pines have seen the birth and death of men, And loved them both, and mourned when they were gone”. This line is particularly powerful. It suggests that the pines have a consciousness, that they are aware of the passing of time and the coming and going of life. It is a reminder that we are all part of something greater than ourselves, that we are all connected.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action. “So, when I pass away, let me beneath them lie, For they have been my friends, and let them be my mourners when I die”. This line is a testament to the poet's love for the pines. It is a reminder that nature is our friend, and that we should cherish it. It is a call to action for us to take care of the natural world, for it is our responsibility to do so.
In conclusion, The Pines is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of nature. It is a poem that celebrates the beauty of the pines, while also acknowledging the darkness that exists in the world. It is a reminder that we are all connected, and that we should cherish the natural world. Robert Service has truly created a masterpiece with this poem, and it will continue to inspire and move people for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Pines: A Poem of Nature's Majesty
Robert Service's poem, The Pines, is a breathtaking ode to the beauty and majesty of nature. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Service captures the essence of the towering pines that dominate the landscape of the Canadian wilderness. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in The Pines, and how they contribute to the poem's overall impact.
The poem begins with a description of the pines, which are personified as "giants" that "stand in serried ranks." The use of personification here is significant, as it imbues the trees with a sense of life and agency, making them more than just inanimate objects. The pines are not merely objects to be admired; they are living beings that command respect and awe.
Service goes on to describe the pines as "monarchs of a mighty realm," further emphasizing their regal stature. The use of the word "monarchs" is particularly apt, as it suggests that the pines are rulers of their domain, and that the wilderness is their kingdom. This imagery is reinforced by the description of the pines as "sentinels," which implies that they are guardians of the land, watching over it with a vigilant eye.
The poem's second stanza shifts the focus to the sounds of the forest, which are described as "a symphony of sighs." This is a beautiful example of synesthesia, as it combines the sense of hearing with the sense of touch. The idea of the forest as a symphony is also significant, as it suggests that nature is a work of art, with each element contributing to a harmonious whole.
The third stanza is perhaps the most powerful in the poem, as it describes the pines as "pillars of a temple vast." This metaphor is particularly striking, as it suggests that the forest is a sacred place, and that the pines are the pillars that hold it up. The use of the word "temple" also implies that the forest is a place of worship, where one can go to connect with something greater than oneself.
The fourth stanza returns to the theme of the pines as guardians, describing them as "soldiers of a splendid war." This metaphor is particularly interesting, as it suggests that the pines are engaged in a battle of some kind. This battle could be against the forces of nature, such as wind and rain, or against human encroachment on their territory. Whatever the case may be, the pines are portrayed as valiant warriors, fighting to protect their home.
The fifth stanza is a beautiful example of imagery, as it describes the pines as "tossing their plumes of green." This image is particularly striking, as it suggests that the pines are like proud peacocks, displaying their beauty for all to see. The use of the word "plumes" is also significant, as it implies that the pines are like royalty, adorned with feathers that signify their regal status.
The sixth and final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker declaring that the pines are "the glory of the land." This is a fitting conclusion to the poem, as it emphasizes the central theme of the pines as symbols of nature's majesty. The use of the word "glory" is also significant, as it suggests that the pines are not just beautiful, but that they are something to be celebrated and revered.
In terms of structure, The Pines is a six-stanza poem, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, which means that each line has four stressed syllables. This gives the poem a rhythmic quality, which is appropriate given its subject matter. The use of rhyme is also significant, as it helps to unify the poem and give it a sense of coherence.
In terms of literary devices, The Pines is rich with imagery, metaphor, and personification. The use of imagery is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to visualize the forest and the pines in vivid detail. The use of metaphor is also significant, as it allows the reader to see the pines in a new light, as something more than just trees. Finally, the use of personification is effective, as it gives the pines a sense of life and agency, making them more than just objects in the landscape.
In conclusion, The Pines is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the majesty of nature. Through vivid imagery, powerful language, and effective literary devices, Robert Service captures the essence of the Canadian wilderness and the towering pines that dominate it. The poem is a testament to the beauty and power of nature, and a reminder that we should always strive to protect and preserve it.
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