'Two Children' by Robert Service


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Give me your hand, oh little one!
Like children be we two;
Yet I am old, my day is done
That barely breaks for you.
A baby-basket hard you hold,
With in it cherries four:
You cherish them as men do gold,
And count them o'er.

And then you stumble in your walk;
The cherries scattered lie.
You pick them up with foolish talk
And foolish glad am I,
When you wipe one quite clean of dust
And give it unto me;
So in the baby-basket just
Are three.

All this is simple, I confess,
A moment piled with peace;
Yet loving men have died for less,
And will till time shall cease. . . .
A silken hand in crinkled one--
O Little Innocence!
O blessed moment in the son
E'er I go hence!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Two Children: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation by Robert Service

Oh, what a wonderful poem! Robert Service's Two Children is an enchanting piece that tells the story of two young siblings and their journey through life. The poem is full of vivid imagery, powerful emotions, and subtle symbolism that all work together to create a truly remarkable work of art. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at the poem and analyze its themes, structure, and language.

Themes

At its core, Two Children is a poem about the innocence of childhood and the loss of that innocence as we grow older. The two children in the poem represent the pure and uncorrupted nature of childhood, while the various obstacles they face on their journey symbolize the challenges and hardships of life that we all must face. The poem is also about the bond between siblings and the importance of family in our lives.

Another theme that emerges in the poem is the idea of choice and consequence. Throughout the poem, the children make choices that have both positive and negative consequences. For example, when they choose to follow the butterfly, they experience the beauty and wonder of nature. However, when they stray from the path and get lost in the woods, they face danger and fear.

Finally, the poem is about the passage of time and the inevitability of change. The children grow and change throughout the poem, and their journey represents the larger journey of life that we all must take. The poem reminds us that time waits for no one, and that we must cherish the moments we have while we have them.

Structure

The structure of Two Children is relatively simple, yet effective. The poem consists of eight stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, and the meter is mostly iambic tetrameter, although there are some variations throughout the poem.

The simplicity of the structure allows the language and imagery of the poem to shine through. Each stanza is a small snapshot of the children's journey, and the tight structure helps to create a sense of forward momentum as the poem progresses. The simple structure also reinforces the idea of childhood innocence and simplicity, as opposed to the more complex and structured world of adulthood.

Language

Service's use of language in Two Children is one of the poem's greatest strengths. The language is simple and accessible, yet rich with meaning and emotion. The poem is full of vivid sensory details that help to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere. For example, in the second stanza, the children "skip and prance, hand in hand" through "meadows starred with daisies." This image is so vivid and evocative that it's easy to picture the children's joy and wonder.

The language in the poem is also full of subtle symbolism. For example, the butterfly that the children follow represents the beauty and wonder of nature, as well as the fleeting nature of childhood innocence. The "darkling wood" that they get lost in represents the dangers and uncertainties of life. The language of the poem is so carefully crafted that every word and phrase seems to carry multiple layers of meaning.

Interpretation

So, what does it all mean? What is Service trying to say with this lovely poem? In my interpretation, Two Children is a meditation on the beauty and fragility of life. The poem reminds us that life is full of wonder and joy, but also of fear and uncertainty. The children in the poem are brave and curious, but they also make mistakes and face danger.

Ultimately, the poem is about the importance of family and community in our lives. The children rely on each other for comfort and support throughout their journey, and it's their bond that helps them to overcome the obstacles they face. The poem also reminds us that our time on this earth is limited, and that we must cherish every moment we have with the people we love.

In conclusion, Robert Service's Two Children is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the heart of the human experience. Through its vivid imagery, simple structure, and rich language, the poem reminds us of the innocence and wonder of childhood, the challenges and hardships of life, and the importance of family and community. It's a poem that will stay with me for a long time, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to interpret and analyze it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Two Children: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Robert Service is a renowned poet who has left an indelible mark on the world of literature. His poems are known for their simplicity, yet they carry a deep meaning that touches the hearts of readers. One such poem is "Two Children," which is a beautiful portrayal of the innocence and purity of childhood. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem "Two Children" is a short but powerful piece that captures the essence of childhood. It tells the story of two children, a boy and a girl, who are playing in a garden. The poem begins with the description of the garden, which is a beautiful and peaceful place. The children are playing in the garden, and they are completely absorbed in their own world. They are not aware of anything else around them, and they are lost in their own thoughts and imaginations.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It describes the garden as a place of peace and tranquility. The use of words like "still," "calm," and "quiet" creates a sense of serenity and calmness. The garden is a place where the children can escape from the chaos of the world and be themselves.

In the second stanza, the focus shifts to the children. The boy and the girl are playing together, and they are completely engrossed in their game. The use of the word "rapt" emphasizes their absorption in the game. They are not aware of anything else around them, and they are lost in their own world.

The third stanza is the most powerful and emotional part of the poem. It describes the innocence and purity of the children. The use of words like "pure," "innocent," and "unspoiled" creates a sense of purity and goodness. The children are not tainted by the world around them, and they are free from the burdens of adulthood.

The fourth stanza is a contrast to the third. It describes the harsh realities of the world. The use of words like "sorrow," "pain," and "tears" creates a sense of sadness and despair. The world is a cruel and unforgiving place, and the children will eventually have to face its harsh realities.

The final stanza is a reflection on the beauty and transience of childhood. The use of words like "fleeting," "brief," and "passing" creates a sense of transience and impermanence. Childhood is a beautiful and precious time, but it is also fleeting. The children will grow up and face the challenges of adulthood, but they will always carry the memories of their childhood with them.

In conclusion, "Two Children" is a beautiful and powerful poem that captures the essence of childhood. It portrays the innocence and purity of children and the harsh realities of the world they will eventually have to face. The poem is a reminder of the beauty and transience of childhood and the importance of cherishing the memories of our youth. Robert Service has created a timeless piece of literature that will continue to touch the hearts of readers for generations to come.

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