'My Calendar' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerFrom off my calendar todayA leaf I tear;
So swiftly passes smiling MayWithout a care.
And now the gentleness of JuneWill fleetly fly
And I will greet the glamour moonOf lush July.Beloved months so soon to pass,Alas, I see
The slim sand silvering the glassOf Time for me;
As bodingly midwinter woeI wait with rue,
Oh how I grudge the days to go!They are so few.A Calendar's a gayful thingTo grace a room;
And though with joy of life I sing,With secret gloom
I add this merry month of MayTo eighty past,
Thinking each page I tear awayMay be my last.
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Calendar: A Timeless Classic
Robert Service’s “My Calendar” is one of those timeless classics that never goes out of style. The poem, published in 1919, is a simple yet profound reflection on the passage of time and the changing seasons. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes and symbolism in Service’s poem, as well as its relevance to contemporary readers.
A Poem of Seasons
“My Calendar” is a poem about the changing seasons and the passage of time. The poem is structured around the calendar year, with each stanza representing a different month. Service uses a variety of poetic techniques to evoke the mood and atmosphere of each season, from the “icy grip of January” to the “golden glory of October.”
But “My Calendar” is more than just a celebration of the seasons. At its heart, it is a meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of change. As Service writes in the opening lines of the poem:
Janus am I; oldest of potentates;
Forward I look, and backward, and below
I count, as god of avenues and gates,
The years that through my portals come and go.
Service portrays himself as Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, who looks both forward and backward in time. The use of Janus as a metaphor is particularly apt, as he is also associated with doorways and passages. Service’s poem is a gateway to the changing seasons and the passage of time.
The Symbolism of Seasons
Service uses the changing seasons as a way to explore the themes of life and death, growth and decay. Each stanza of the poem is rich in symbolism, with Service using the natural world to reflect on the human experience. In January, for example, he writes:
I see the snowflake on my lifted palm;
And what if it should melt and run away?
Who'll care for beauty by the winter charmed?
Cruel will his icy fingers be to-day.
Here, the snowflake is a symbol of beauty and fragility. Service invites us to contemplate the fleeting nature of beauty, and the inevitability of its decay. The stanza also hints at the harshness of winter, and the dangers that come with it.
Similarly, in May the poet writes:
I see the village on the morning hill,
Beyond the river, and the misty blue
Of early smoke above the distant mill,
And youth, and hope, and love are all anew.
In this stanza, the village is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts. The morning mist and smoke suggest a sense of renewal and rejuvenation. The mention of youth, hope, and love adds an emotional depth to the poem, as Service reminds us of the joys and sorrows of human experience.
The Relevance of “My Calendar” Today
Although “My Calendar” was written over a century ago, its themes and symbolism remain as relevant as ever. In our fast-paced, technology-dependent world, it is easy to lose sight of the natural rhythms of the seasons and the passing of time. Service’s poem serves as a reminder that life is cyclical, and that change is inevitable.
Moreover, “My Calendar” speaks to the human experience in a way that is timeless. The joys and sorrows of love, the fragility of beauty, the inevitability of death – these are universal themes that resonate with readers of all ages and cultures. As such, the poem has endured as a classic of English literature.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robert Service’s “My Calendar” is a timeless poem that explores the themes of time, seasons, and the human experience. Through its rich symbolism and evocative language, the poem invites us to contemplate the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of change. Moreover, it speaks to us today as much as it did over a century ago, reminding us of the importance of staying attuned to the natural rhythms of the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Calendar: A Timeless Classic by Robert Service
If you are a poetry enthusiast, you must have come across Robert Service's "My Calendar." This timeless classic is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time, captivating readers for generations. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices, and why it remains a favorite among poetry lovers.
The poem's title, "My Calendar," sets the tone for what to expect from the poem. It is a reflection of the poet's life, with each stanza representing a month of the year. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. This structure gives the poem a musical quality, making it easy to read and memorize.
The poem's first stanza, which represents January, sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It is a month of new beginnings, and the poet reflects on the year that has just passed. He talks about the things he has lost and gained, and how he hopes to make the most of the new year. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I face the year ahead, / And all unknown the books I've read." These lines capture the uncertainty that comes with the new year, and the hope that the poet has for the future.
In the second stanza, which represents February, the poet talks about love. He describes the month as the time when "hearts are light and gay." The stanza is filled with romantic imagery, with lines like "The world is like a rose in bloom, / And Cupid's arrows fly." The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I dream of love and you, / And all the things that lovers do." These lines capture the essence of February, a month associated with love and romance.
The third stanza, which represents March, is a reflection on the changing seasons. The poet talks about the snow melting and the flowers blooming, and how the world is coming back to life. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I feel the stir of Spring, / And hear the bluebird sing." These lines capture the excitement that comes with the changing seasons, and the hope that comes with new beginnings.
In the fourth stanza, which represents April, the poet talks about the rain. He describes it as a "silver veil" that covers the earth, bringing new life to everything. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the April rain, / And all the sweet, renewing pain." These lines capture the beauty of the rain, and how it brings new life to everything.
The fifth stanza, which represents May, is a reflection on the beauty of nature. The poet talks about the flowers blooming and the birds singing, and how everything is coming back to life. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the month of May, / And all the beauty on display." These lines capture the beauty of nature, and how it brings joy to our lives.
In the sixth stanza, which represents June, the poet talks about the summer. He describes it as a time of warmth and happiness, with the sun shining and the birds singing. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the month of June, / And all the happy, lazy boon." These lines capture the essence of summer, a time associated with warmth and happiness.
In the seventh stanza, which represents July, the poet talks about the Fourth of July. He describes it as a time of celebration, with fireworks lighting up the sky. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the Fourth of July, / And all the rockets in the sky." These lines capture the excitement and joy that come with the Fourth of July.
In the eighth stanza, which represents August, the poet talks about the harvest. He describes it as a time of plenty, with the fields full of crops. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the month of August, / And all the bounty I can trust." These lines capture the essence of the harvest, a time associated with plenty and abundance.
In the ninth stanza, which represents September, the poet talks about the changing seasons. He describes it as a time of transition, with the leaves changing color and the air turning cool. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the month of September, / And all the changes I remember." These lines capture the beauty of the changing seasons, and how they bring new life to everything.
In the tenth stanza, which represents October, the poet talks about Halloween. He describes it as a time of mystery and magic, with ghosts and goblins roaming the streets. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the month of October, / And all the spooks that I remember." These lines capture the excitement and mystery that come with Halloween.
In the eleventh stanza, which represents November, the poet talks about Thanksgiving. He describes it as a time of gratitude, with families coming together to give thanks for their blessings. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the month of November, / And all the thanks that I remember." These lines capture the essence of Thanksgiving, a time associated with gratitude and family.
In the twelfth and final stanza, which represents December, the poet talks about Christmas. He describes it as a time of joy and celebration, with carolers singing and children playing. The stanza ends with the lines, "And so I love the month of December, / And all the joy that I remember." These lines capture the essence of Christmas, a time associated with joy and celebration.
In conclusion, Robert Service's "My Calendar" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of each month of the year. The poem's structure, rhyme scheme, and literary devices make it easy to read and memorize. The poem's themes of new beginnings, love, nature, and celebration resonate with readers of all ages. It is a poem that reminds us of the beauty of life and the joy that comes with each passing month.
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