'The Healer' by Robert Service


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Carols of an Old Codger"Tuberculosis should not be,"The old professor said.
"If folks would hearken unto me'Twould save a million dead.
Nay, no consumptive needs to die,--A cure have I."From blood of turtle I've distilledAn elixir of worth;
Let every sufferer be thrilledAnd sing for joy of earth;
Yet every doctor turns his backAnd calls me quack."Alas! They do not want to cure,For sickness is their meat;
So persecution I endure,And die in dark defeat:
Ye lungers, listen to my call!--I'll save you all."The old Professor now is dead,And turtles of the sea,
Knowing their blood they need not shed,Are festive in their glee:
While sanitoriums are crammedWith legions dammed.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Healer: Robert Service's Healing Power Through Poetry

When one thinks of poetry, the first thing that comes to mind is the beauty of the language, the rich imagery that evokes emotions, and the deep insights into the human condition. Yet, poetry can also be a source of healing, a balm for the soul, and a way to find meaning in the midst of pain and suffering. Robert Service's poem, "The Healer," is a powerful example of how poetry can heal and transform us.

At first glance, "The Healer" seems like a simple poem, just a story of a man who heals a sick child. Yet, as we delve deeper into the poem, we realize that there is much more going on here than meets the eye. Service's use of language, imagery, and symbolism all contribute to the poem's power as a healing force.

The Healing Power of Language

Service's use of language in "The Healer" is both simple and profound. He uses short, simple sentences that are easy to understand, yet he also uses poetic devices like alliteration, repetition, and rhyme to create a musical quality that draws the reader in. For example, the opening lines of the poem read:

"When Spring goes wandering
Far from the hill,
And the world is a-smoulder
With peach-tree bloom,
He comes back, old pardner,
To you an' me,
An' the fields she ain't turned,
Nor the fences we."

These lines are full of alliteration, repetition, and rhyme, which create a sense of rhythm and music that is both soothing and uplifting. The use of "pardner" instead of partner, for example, gives the poem a folksy, down-home feel that is comforting and reassuring.

The Healing Power of Imagery

Service's use of imagery in "The Healer" is equally powerful. He uses vivid, sensory details to create a rich, immersive world that draws the reader in. For example, he describes the man's healing touch in this way:

"An' he'd lay his hand on the bended head,
With a smile as sweet as a prayer,
An' the little girl would smile back again,
An' the fevered eyes grow fair."

This imagery is both tender and powerful, evoking a sense of warmth, comfort, and healing. The "smile as sweet as a prayer" is a particularly powerful image, suggesting that the man's healing power comes from a place of deep compassion and love.

The Healing Power of Symbolism

Finally, Service's use of symbolism in "The Healer" is perhaps the most profound aspect of the poem. He uses a number of symbols that have deep spiritual and psychological significance, such as the peach-tree bloom, the bended head, and the smile as sweet as a prayer. These symbols suggest a deeper meaning to the poem, one that goes beyond the surface story of a man healing a sick child.

For example, the peach-tree bloom can be seen as a symbol of rebirth and renewal, suggesting that the healing power of the man is not just physical, but also spiritual. The bended head can be seen as a symbol of humility and surrender, suggesting that the healing power of the man comes from a place of deep wisdom and compassion. And the smile as sweet as a prayer can be seen as a symbol of faith and hope, suggesting that the healing power of the man comes from a place of deep spiritual strength.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Healer" is a powerful poem that demonstrates the healing power of poetry. Through Service's use of language, imagery, and symbolism, we are drawn into a world of compassion, love, and healing that transcends the physical world. Whether we are sick, suffering, or simply in need of comfort, "The Healer" reminds us that there is a power in poetry that can heal and transform us. So let us embrace the healing power of poetry, and allow it to guide us on our journey towards wholeness and peace.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to heal, to mend broken hearts and to uplift the soul. Robert Service's "The Healer" is a classic example of how poetry can be a balm for the wounded spirit. This poem is a masterpiece of rhythm, rhyme, and imagery that speaks to the human condition in a way that is both timeless and universal.

At its core, "The Healer" is a poem about the power of love to heal the wounds of the heart. The speaker of the poem is a healer who has the ability to mend broken bones and cure physical ailments, but he is powerless when it comes to matters of the heart. He longs to be able to heal the emotional wounds of those around him, but he knows that this is beyond his abilities. Instead, he turns to poetry as a way to offer comfort and solace to those who are suffering.

The poem begins with a description of the healer's physical abilities. He is a skilled physician who can set broken bones and cure diseases. He is respected and admired by those around him for his abilities, but he is also aware of his limitations. He knows that there are some wounds that cannot be healed with medicine or surgery. This is where poetry comes in.

The healer turns to poetry as a way to offer comfort to those who are suffering. He knows that words have the power to heal, to soothe, and to uplift. He uses his gift of poetry to offer hope to those who are struggling with emotional pain. He writes:

"I cannot cure the broken heart,
But I have often seen it healed
By the touch of love in a poem
That the heart had never revealed."

These lines are a testament to the power of poetry to heal. The healer knows that he cannot fix everything, but he also knows that there is a healing power in words. He has seen firsthand how a poem can touch the heart and offer comfort to those who are hurting.

The poem goes on to describe the healer's own struggles with love. He has loved and lost, and he knows the pain of a broken heart. He writes:

"I too have known the inward strife
The conflict of the soul and heart;
But life has taught me that the cure
For all heartaches is Love's sweet art."

These lines are a reminder that even the healer is not immune to the pain of love. He has experienced the same struggles and conflicts that his patients face. But he has also learned that love is the key to healing. Love has the power to mend even the deepest wounds of the heart.

The poem ends with a call to action. The healer urges his readers to turn to poetry as a way to find comfort and solace in times of pain. He writes:

"So if some soul is sick with pain,
And seeking in the dark for light,
Go humbly to the poet's door,
And ask to be his acolyte."

These lines are an invitation to all who are suffering to turn to poetry as a source of healing. The healer knows that there is power in words, and he wants to share that power with others. He encourages his readers to seek out the poets of the world and to ask for their guidance and wisdom.

In conclusion, "The Healer" is a beautiful and powerful poem that speaks to the human condition in a way that is both timeless and universal. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is hope and healing to be found. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to heal, to uplift, and to inspire. It is a call to action for all who are suffering to turn to poetry as a way to find comfort and solace in times of pain. Robert Service's "The Healer" is a true masterpiece of poetry, and it will continue to inspire and uplift readers for generations to come.

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