'Old Crony' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerI had a friend, a breezy friendI liked an awful lot;
And in his company no endOf happiness I got.
We clicked in temper, taste and mood,We gypsied side by side,--
And then, as no pal ever should,He upped and died.A score of years have since gone by,Yet I bemoan him still;
He used to call me Bob and IWas wont to call him Bill.
Oh how I wish that he were here,How we would bravely walk
On heather hills to tavern cheer,And talk and talk!If as he always used to do,He'd just drop in to tea,
To rest awhile and jest awhile,How chirpy I would be!
Then he would puff his pipe of briarAnd I my cigarette,
And we would yarn beside the fire,And time forget.Old Pal, come back a little while,If just to let me say
How much I miss your jolly smileNow you have gone away.
Ah, when in life's allotted spanWe near our journey's end,
What greater treasure is there thanA Golden Friend!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Old Crony: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Service's "Old Crony" is a heart-warming poem about the power of friendship and the beauty of old age. Written in a simple yet powerful language, the poem has captured the hearts of generations of readers since its first publication in 1912. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the poem's structure, themes, and symbols, and explore the deeper meanings that lie beneath its surface.
Structure
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality that is both comforting and uplifting. The meter is iambic tetrameter, which means that there are four iambs (unstressed syllable followed by a stressed syllable) in each line. This gives the poem a steady rhythm that reflects the unchanging nature of the old man's friendship.
Themes
The poem explores several themes that are central to the human experience. The first theme is friendship. The poem celebrates the enduring bond between the narrator and his old friend, who have been through thick and thin together. The second theme is old age. The poem portrays old age not as a time of decline and decay, but as a time of wisdom and contentment. The third theme is nostalgia. The poem evokes a sense of nostalgia for a simpler time when life was less complicated and more meaningful.
Symbols
The poem is replete with symbols that deepen its meaning and enrich its imagery. The first symbol is the "old crony" himself. He represents the wisdom and experience that come with old age. He is also a symbol of the enduring nature of friendship, which transcends time and circumstance. The second symbol is the "little brown jug". This symbolizes the simple pleasures of life, such as a good drink and good company. It also represents the continuity of tradition, as the old man's love for his jug has been passed down from generation to generation. The third symbol is the "sparking fire". This symbolizes warmth, both physical and emotional. It also represents the continuity of life, as the fire has been burning for generations and will continue to burn long after the old man is gone.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted on several levels. On the surface, it is a simple and charming poem about an old man and his friend. However, on a deeper level, it is a meditation on the nature of friendship and the value of old age. The poem suggests that friendship is the most important thing in life, and that it is worth cherishing and nurturing even in old age. The poem also suggests that old age is not something to be feared, but something to be celebrated. It is a time of reflection, wisdom, and contentment, and it should be embraced rather than avoided.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Old Crony" is a timeless poem that speaks to the human condition in a profound and meaningful way. Its simple language and structure belie its deeper meaning, which is a celebration of friendship and old age. Through its symbols and themes, the poem invites us to reflect on our own lives and the people who have touched us along the way. It reminds us that life is short, and that we should cherish the people and the moments that make it worth living.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Old Crony: A Poem of Nostalgia and Friendship
Robert Service, the renowned poet of the Yukon, wrote many poems that captured the spirit of the rugged and wild North. Among his most beloved works is "Old Crony," a poem that speaks to the power of friendship and the bittersweet nostalgia that comes with the passing of time.
At its heart, "Old Crony" is a poem about two old friends who have grown apart over the years. The narrator, who is never named, reflects on his memories of his friend, whom he calls "Old Crony." He remembers the adventures they shared, the laughter they shared, and the bond they formed in their youth.
But now, as they are both old men, the narrator realizes that he and Old Crony have grown distant. They no longer share the same interests or passions, and they have lost touch with each other's lives. The narrator laments this loss, but he also recognizes that it is a natural part of growing older.
The poem is written in Service's signature style, which is characterized by its simple, straightforward language and its use of rhyme and meter. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which consists of four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, meaning that the first and second lines rhyme with each other, as do the third and fourth lines.
The poem opens with the narrator reflecting on his memories of Old Crony. He describes him as "a man of the wilds, / A mate of the outlaw band," and he remembers the adventures they shared together. They hunted and fished together, and they shared many a campfire under the stars.
The second stanza is where the poem takes a more melancholy turn. The narrator acknowledges that he and Old Crony have grown apart over the years. He says that they "drifted apart on the stream / Of life's uncharted sea," and he wonders if they will ever be able to recapture the bond they once shared.
The third stanza is perhaps the most poignant of the poem. The narrator describes how he and Old Crony have both aged, and how they no longer share the same interests or passions. He says that Old Crony is "bent with the weight of years," and that he himself is "gray as a grizzly bear." He acknowledges that they are both "old and worn and gray," and that they are no longer the young men they once were.
But despite this, the narrator still feels a deep affection for Old Crony. He says that he still thinks of him often, and that he wishes they could be reunited once again. He says that he would "give the world to see / My old-time crony again."
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the passing of time. The narrator acknowledges that life is fleeting, and that all things must come to an end. He says that he knows he and Old Crony will never be able to recapture the bond they once shared, but that he will always cherish the memories they made together.
In many ways, "Old Crony" is a poem about the inevitability of change and the passing of time. It speaks to the universal experience of growing older and losing touch with the people and things that once meant so much to us. But it is also a poem about the enduring power of friendship, and the way that even the most fleeting connections can leave a lasting impact on our lives.
Service's use of simple language and rhyme gives the poem a timeless quality that resonates with readers of all ages. It is a poem that speaks to the heart, and that reminds us of the importance of cherishing the people and memories that make life worth living.
In conclusion, "Old Crony" is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of friendship and the passing of time. It is a reminder that even as we grow older and our lives change, the bonds we form with others can endure and shape us for years to come. Robert Service's legacy as a poet of the North is secure, and "Old Crony" stands as one of his most enduring and beloved works.
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