'Tick-Tock' by Robert Service
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Tick-tocking in my ear
My dollar clock I hear.
'Arise,' it seems to say:
'Behold another day
To grasp the golden key
Of Opportunity;
To turn the magic lock--
Tick-tock!
'Another day to gain
Some goal you sought in vain;
to sing a sweeter song,
Perchance to right a wrong;
To win a height unscaled
Where yesterday you failed;
To brave a battle shock--
Tick-tock!'
You measure out my breath,
Each beat one nearer death . . .
O God, grant unto me
A few more years to be,
That somehow I may prove
My loyalty and love:
Wind up this worn-out clock,
Tick-tock,
Tick-tock!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Tick-Tock: A Literary Masterpiece
Robert Service's poem "Tick-Tock" is a literary masterpiece that explores the theme of time and its fleeting nature. The poem is a powerful reminder that time waits for no one, and that all we have is the present moment. In this critique, we will examine the poem's structure, imagery, and themes to gain a deeper understanding of its meaning and significance.
Structure and Form
"Tick-Tock" is a sonnet that follows the traditional structure of the form. It consists of fourteen lines, with each line containing ten syllables. The poem is divided into four quatrains, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. The use of the sonnet format is significant, as it is a form typically used to express love and romantic themes. However, in "Tick-Tock," Service subverts this expectation by using the form to convey the theme of time and its fleeting nature.
Imagery
Service uses vivid imagery throughout the poem to create a sense of urgency and emphasize the fleeting nature of time. The opening lines of the poem set the tone:
Tick-tock, tick-tock, goes the clock,
Days to weeks and weeks to years;
Tick-tock, tick-tock, goes the clock,
Life's too short for joys and tears.
The repetition of "tick-tock" creates a sense of urgency and reminds the reader that time is constantly ticking away. The clock imagery is used throughout the poem to remind us that time is a constant presence in our lives, and that we must make the most of the time we have.
Service also uses vivid imagery to contrast the passage of time with the joys of life:
The clock's a snarling, growling beast
That gobbles time with ravenous might,
And when at last his jaws release,
We say: "How soon the day takes flight!"
Here, the clock is portrayed as a beast that devours time with reckless abandon. The contrast between the clock's voracious appetite and the fleeting nature of life emphasizes the importance of making the most of the time we have.
Themes
The central theme of "Tick-Tock" is the fleeting nature of time and the importance of making the most of the present moment. The poem is a powerful reminder that time waits for no one, and that we must use our time wisely if we hope to achieve our goals and live a fulfilling life.
Service also explores the theme of mortality in the poem, as he reminds us that our time on earth is limited:
Tick-tock, tick-tock, goes the clock,
The years fly by on wings of haste;
Tick-tock, tick-tock, goes the clock,
We cannot slow its frenzied pace.
The imagery of the clock's frenzied pace emphasizes the inevitability of death and reminds us that we must make the most of the time we have.
Interpretation
"Tick-Tock" is a poignant reminder that time is a precious commodity that we must use wisely. The poem's use of vivid imagery and traditional sonnet form create a powerful sense of urgency, reminding us that time is constantly ticking away. Through the use of clock imagery and vivid descriptions of time's fleeting nature, Service emphasizes the importance of making the most of the present moment.
The poem's central theme of mortality is also significant, as it reminds us that our time on earth is limited. Service's use of the sonnet form to convey this theme is particularly poignant, as it subverts the traditional use of the form to express love and romantic themes.
Overall, "Tick-Tock" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. Its message of making the most of the present moment is as relevant now as it was when the poem was first written. The poem is a powerful reminder that time is a precious commodity that we must use wisely if we hope to achieve our goals and live a fulfilling life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Tick-Tock: A Timeless Poem by Robert Service
Tick-tock, tick-tock, the clock goes on and on. These words may seem simple, but they hold a profound meaning that has resonated with readers for generations. The poem "Tick-Tock" by Robert Service is a timeless piece of literature that captures the essence of time and its fleeting nature. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and literary devices used in this classic poem.
The poem "Tick-Tock" is a short but powerful piece that consists of only four stanzas. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem, with the repetition of the words "tick-tock" creating a sense of urgency and reminding us of the constant passing of time. The second stanza introduces the idea of mortality, with the line "Time is a thief that never fails to steal." This line is a powerful reminder that time is something that we can never get back, and that we must make the most of every moment.
The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant, with the line "Time is a master that never fails to heal." This line suggests that time has the power to heal all wounds, but it also implies that time can be a cruel master, forcing us to move on from things that we may not be ready to let go of. The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the repetition of the words "tick-tock" reminding us once again of the relentless passage of time.
One of the most striking things about this poem is its simplicity. Robert Service uses simple language and a straightforward structure to convey a complex message about the nature of time. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. This lack of structure mirrors the unpredictable nature of time, which can be both chaotic and orderly at the same time.
Despite its simplicity, the poem is full of literary devices that add depth and meaning to the words. The repetition of the words "tick-tock" creates a sense of urgency and reminds us of the constant passage of time. The use of personification, with time being described as a thief and a master, adds a human element to the poem and makes it easier for readers to relate to the message. The use of metaphor, with time being compared to a thief and a master, adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing readers to interpret the message in their own way.
The themes of the poem are universal and timeless. The poem speaks to the human experience of time, and the way that it shapes our lives. The poem reminds us that time is something that we can never get back, and that we must make the most of every moment. It also reminds us that time has the power to heal, but that it can also be a cruel master, forcing us to move on from things that we may not be ready to let go of.
In conclusion, "Tick-Tock" is a timeless poem that captures the essence of time and its fleeting nature. The poem is simple yet powerful, with a straightforward structure and language that makes it accessible to readers of all ages. The use of literary devices adds depth and complexity to the poem, allowing readers to interpret the message in their own way. The themes of the poem are universal and timeless, reminding us of the importance of making the most of every moment and the power of time to both heal and hurt. Robert Service's "Tick-Tock" is a classic poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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