'Tom' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerThat Tom was poor was sure a pity,Such guts for learning had the lad;
He took to Greek like babe to titty,And he was mathematic mad.
I loved to prime him up with knowledge,A brighter lad I never knew;
I dreamed that he would go to collegeAnd there be honoured too.But no! His Dad said, "Son, I need youTo keep the kettle on the boil;
No longer can I clothe and feed you,Buy study books and midnight oil.
I carry on as best I'm able,A humble tailor, as you know;
And you must squat cross-legged a tableAnd learn to snip and sew."And that is what poor Tom is doing.He bravely makes the best of it;
But as he "fits" you he is knowingThat he himself is a misfit;
And thinks as he fulfils his calling,With patient heart yet deep distaste,
Like clippings from his shears down-falling,--He, too, is Waste.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Journey Through Robert Service's "Tom"
Oh, what a thrilling ride it is to indulge in Robert Service's "Tom"! An epic poem of 14 stanzas, each carrying a unique punch, "Tom" is a masterpiece that takes us through the life journey of its protagonist, Tom.
The poem starts with Tom's birth, which happens in the dead of winter. He is born into a family of poverty, with no means to provide for him. The imagery of the cold winter night creates a sense of despair and hopelessness, one that Tom's family must have felt with the arrival of another mouth to feed.
Yet, Tom is not just another mouth to feed. He is a fighter, a survivor, and a rebel. He grows up to be a man who refuses to be held down by his circumstances, and instead, rises above it all.
The poem celebrates Tom's indomitable spirit, his tenacity, and his resilience. It is a hymn to the human spirit, one that refuses to give up, no matter how tough the going gets.
Service's use of language is both simple and profound. He uses rhyming couplets and a rhythmic pattern that creates a sense of cohesion and harmony in the poem. The language is accessible, yet it carries deep layers of meaning that resonate with the reader.
For instance, Service's use of imagery is particularly striking. He describes Tom's journey as a mountain climb, where each step is a struggle, yet each step takes him closer to the summit. The imagery of the mountain climb creates a sense of grandeur and awe, one that reflects the magnitude of Tom's journey.
Similarly, Service's use of contrast is also noteworthy. He contrasts the bleakness of Tom's childhood with the richness of his adulthood. He contrasts Tom's poverty with his wealth, his struggles with his successes, and his failures with his triumphs.
All of these contrasts create a sense of tension in the poem, one that keeps the reader engaged and invested in Tom's journey. We want to see him succeed, to overcome all of his obstacles and emerge victorious.
And emerge victorious, he does. Tom's journey takes him from poverty to riches, from obscurity to fame, from despair to hope. He becomes a man of means, a man of influence, a man of repute.
Yet, despite all of his success, Tom never forgets his roots. He remains humble, grounded, and true to himself. He never loses sight of the values that guided him throughout his journey.
The poem's final stanza captures this sentiment beautifully:
He left a name to conjure with; a man with heart of gold; A kindly, sturdy citizen, of whom his town was proud; A benefactor, all his life to friend and stranger bold. He sleeps to-night, but well you know his fame is long and loud.
These lines are a testament to Tom's legacy, one that lives on even after his death. They are a reminder that success is not just about personal achievement, but also about giving back to others.
In conclusion, Robert Service's "Tom" is a powerful poem that celebrates the human spirit. It is a journey through the life of a man who refused to be held down by his circumstances, and instead, rose above it all. It is a hymn to resilience, tenacity, and the values that guide us throughout our lives.
If you haven't read "Tom" yet, I urge you to do so. It is a poem that will inspire you, move you, and leave you in awe of the power of the human spirit.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Tom: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
If you're a fan of poetry, you've probably heard of Robert Service. He's one of the most famous poets of the 20th century, known for his vivid descriptions of the Yukon and the people who lived there during the gold rush. One of his most famous poems is "The Cremation of Sam McGee," but today we're going to talk about another one of his classics: "Poetry Tom."
"Poetry Tom" is a poem about a man who loves poetry so much that he's willing to give up everything else in his life for it. The poem is written in Service's signature style, with a simple rhyme scheme and a straightforward narrative. But despite its simplicity, "Poetry Tom" is a powerful poem that speaks to the importance of following your passion.
The poem begins with a description of Tom, a man who "loved the life he lived and lived the life he loved." Tom is a simple man, with no great ambitions or desires. But he has one passion: poetry. He spends all his time reading and writing poetry, and he's so good at it that people start to take notice.
As Tom's reputation grows, he starts to receive offers from publishers and literary agents. But Tom isn't interested in fame or fortune. He just wants to write poetry. So he turns down all the offers and continues to live a simple life.
But as time goes on, Tom's dedication to poetry starts to take a toll on his life. He becomes so obsessed with his writing that he neglects his health and his relationships. He stops eating and sleeping, and he becomes increasingly isolated from the world around him.
Despite his declining health, Tom continues to write. He writes about everything from love and nature to death and despair. His poetry is beautiful and haunting, and it speaks to the deepest parts of the human experience.
But eventually, Tom's body gives out. He dies alone in his room, surrounded by his poetry. And yet, even in death, Tom's passion for poetry lives on. His poems are published posthumously, and they become some of the most beloved works of poetry in the English language.
So what can we learn from "Poetry Tom"? First and foremost, the poem reminds us of the importance of following our passions. Tom's dedication to poetry may have led to his downfall, but it also gave him a sense of purpose and fulfillment that he wouldn't have found anywhere else.
But the poem also serves as a warning about the dangers of obsession. Tom's love for poetry became so all-consuming that it destroyed his health and his relationships. It's important to remember that passion should never come at the expense of our well-being or the well-being of those around us.
In the end, "Poetry Tom" is a beautiful and haunting poem that speaks to the power of art and the importance of following our passions. It's a reminder that even in the darkest moments of our lives, there is beauty to be found in the things we love.
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