'Eighty Not Out' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerIn the gay, gleamy morn I adore to go walking,
And oh what sweet people I meet on my way!
I hail them with joy for I love to be talking,
Although I have nothing important to say.
I cheer the old grannies whose needles are plying;
I watch the wee kiddies awhoop at their play:
When sunny the sky is, you'll not be denying
The morning's the bonniest bit of the day.
With hair that is silver the look should be smiling,
And lips that are ageful should surely be wise;
And so I go gaily with gentle beguiling,
Abidding for cheer in the bright of your eyes.
I look at the vines and the blossoms with loving;
I listen with glee to the thrush on the spray:
And so with a song in my heart I am proving
That life is more beautiful every day.For I think that old age is the rapture of living,
And though I've had many a birthday of cheer,
Of all the delectable days of God's giving,
The best of the bunch is my eightieth year.
So I will go gay in the beam of the morning
Another decade,--Oh I haven't a doubt!
Adoring the world of the Lord's glad adorning,
And sing to the glory of Ninety-not-Out.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Eighty Not Out: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Robert Service's "Eighty Not Out" is a timeless piece of poetry that tells the story of an elderly man who reflects on his life as he reaches the age of eighty. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes, literary devices, and interpretations of this classic poem.
Background Information
Robert Service was a British-Canadian poet and novelist who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Canadian North, including "The Cremation of Sam McGee" and "The Shooting of Dan McGrew." "Eighty Not Out" was published in 1940, during a time of great social and political upheaval, and it reflects the uncertainty and anxiety of the era.
Summary of the Poem
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his life as he reaches the age of eighty. He describes his physical limitations and the struggles he faces, but he also acknowledges the wisdom and experience that comes with age. The speaker then reflects on his youth and the many opportunities he had, but also the mistakes he made and the regrets he has. He concludes by accepting his age and the inevitability of death, but also expressing his gratitude for the life he has lived.
Themes
The poem explores several themes, including:
Aging and Mortality
The most obvious theme of the poem is aging and mortality. The speaker acknowledges his physical limitations and the inevitability of death, but he also reflects on the wisdom and experience that comes with age.
Regret and Redemption
The speaker also reflects on his past mistakes and regrets, but he also expresses his gratitude for the life he has lived. The poem suggests that even in old age, there is still time for redemption and appreciation.
Time and Memory
The poem is built around the idea of time and memory. The speaker reflects on his past and the many opportunities he had, but also the mistakes he made and the regrets he has. The poem suggests that memories are important and that they shape who we are.
Gratitude and Appreciation
Finally, the poem expresses gratitude and appreciation for the life the speaker has lived. Despite the struggles and regrets, the speaker is grateful for the experiences and the wisdom he has gained.
Literary Devices
Service employs several literary devices throughout the poem, including:
Imagery
The poem is rich in imagery, particularly when describing the physical limitations of old age. For example, the speaker describes his "spinal column of spun glass" and his "rusty joints."
Repetition
The poem also uses repetition to emphasize certain ideas and themes. For example, the phrase "Eighty not out" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the speaker's age and mortality.
Metaphor
The poem uses metaphor to describe the speaker's life and experiences. For example, the speaker describes his life as a "book of pages turned."
Personification
Finally, the poem uses personification to give human attributes to non-human objects. For example, the speaker describes his "rusty joints" as "groaning."
Interpretations
The poem can be interpreted in several ways, including:
Acceptance of Mortality
The poem suggests that the speaker has come to accept his mortality and is at peace with the inevitability of death. This interpretation is supported by the final stanza, where the speaker expresses his gratitude for the life he has lived.
Reflection on Life
The poem can also be interpreted as a reflection on life and the choices we make. The speaker reflects on his past mistakes and regrets, but also expresses his gratitude for the life he has lived. This interpretation suggests that even in old age, there is still time for redemption and appreciation.
Perspective on Aging
Finally, the poem offers a perspective on aging and the wisdom and experience that comes with it. The speaker acknowledges his physical limitations but also suggests that there is value in growing old.
Conclusion
Robert Service's "Eighty Not Out" is a timeless piece of poetry that explores the themes of aging, regret, and gratitude. The poem employs several literary devices, including imagery, repetition, metaphor, and personification, to emphasize these themes. The poem can be interpreted in several ways, including as an acceptance of mortality, a reflection on life, and a perspective on aging. Overall, "Eighty Not Out" is a poignant and thoughtful reflection on the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Eighty Not Out: A Timeless Classic by Robert Service
Robert Service, a renowned poet and writer, is known for his captivating and inspiring works that have stood the test of time. One of his most celebrated poems is "Poetry Eighty Not Out," a masterpiece that has touched the hearts of many readers and continues to inspire generations. In this article, we will delve into the meaning and significance of this timeless classic.
The poem "Poetry Eighty Not Out" is a tribute to the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. The title itself is a reference to the game of cricket, where "eighty not out" means that a batsman has scored eighty runs without being dismissed. In the context of the poem, it means that poetry has survived and thrived for eighty years and is still going strong.
The poem begins with the lines, "In the highway of life when I was so young, / It seemed that the journey was destined to be long." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the poet's life and his relationship with poetry. The poet acknowledges that when he was young, he thought that life was going to be a long journey, but now that he is older, he realizes that life is short and that he has to make the most of it.
The next stanza of the poem is a celebration of the power of poetry. The poet says, "But poetry came like a sweet melody, / And filled my heart with its ecstasy." Here, the poet is saying that poetry has the power to lift the spirits and fill the heart with joy. He goes on to say that poetry has been his constant companion throughout his life, and that it has helped him through the ups and downs of life.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the poet's own mortality. He says, "And now that I'm old, and my journey is near, / I look back on my life with never a fear." Here, the poet is acknowledging that he is nearing the end of his life, but he is not afraid because he has lived a full life and has poetry to comfort him. He goes on to say that even though he is old, he still feels young at heart because of the power of poetry.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a celebration of the power of poetry to connect people across time and space. The poet says, "For poetry links us with ages gone by, / And gives us a glimpse of the world's history." Here, the poet is saying that poetry has the power to connect us with the past and to give us a glimpse of what life was like in different times and places. He goes on to say that poetry has the power to inspire us and to give us hope for the future.
The final stanza of the poem is a celebration of the power of poetry to endure. The poet says, "So here's to the poets, the brave and the true, / Who've given us beauty to cherish anew." Here, the poet is saying that poetry is a gift that has been given to us by the poets who have come before us. He goes on to say that poetry will endure long after he is gone, and that it will continue to inspire and uplift future generations.
In conclusion, "Poetry Eighty Not Out" is a timeless classic that celebrates the power of poetry to lift the spirits, connect us with the past, and inspire us for the future. Robert Service's masterful use of language and imagery has created a poem that is both beautiful and inspiring. As we read this poem, we are reminded of the power of poetry to transcend time and space and to touch the hearts of people across generations.
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