'Birds Of A Feather' by Robert Service
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Carols of an Old CodgerOf bosom friends I've had but seven,Despite my years are ripe;
I hope they're now enjoying Heaven,Although they're not the type;
Nor, candidly, no more am I,Though overdue to die.For looking back I see that theyWere weak and wasteful men;
They loved a sultry jest alway,And women now and then.
They smoked and gambled, soused and swore,--Yet no one was a bore.'Tis strange I took to lads like these,On whom the good should frown;
Yet all with poetry would pleaseTo wash his wassail down;
Their temples touched the starry way,But O what feet of clay!Well, all are dust, of fame bereft;They bore a cruel cross,
And I, the canny one, am left,--Yet as I grieve their loss,
I deem, because they loved me well,They'll welcome me in Hell.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Birds of a Feather by Robert Service: An Analysis
Are you a fan of poetry that doesn't mince words and gets straight to the point? Then you'll love Robert Service's Birds of a Feather. This poem, published in his book Rhymes of a Red Cross Man in 1916, is only six lines long but manages to convey a powerful message about the nature of friendship and loyalty.
Summary
At its core, Birds of a Feather is a poem about birds (surprise, surprise) and how they stick together. Service compares the behaviour of birds in a flock to that of humans. He argues that just like birds, human beings have an innate desire to be with others like them. This is evident in the second half of the poem where Service writes:
"So are we humans when we migrate, And when the night is falling We seek again our own kind And group ourselves for calling."
Service is saying that humans are drawn to people who are similar to them, and that we naturally gravitate towards those who share our interests, values, and experiences. This is a simple observation, but one that has profound implications for our understanding of human nature and how we interact with each other.
Analysis
The first thing that strikes me about this poem is its simplicity. It's only six lines long, and each line is short and to the point. Service doesn't waste any words or try to be overly poetic. Instead, he uses plain language to convey his message.
This simplicity is also reflected in the rhyme scheme. The poem follows a basic ABABCC structure, with the last two lines rhyming with each other. This gives the poem a nice flow and makes it easy to remember.
But just because the poem is simple doesn't mean it lacks depth. In fact, there are a number of interesting things going on in these six lines.
For example, there's the use of the word "migrate" in the second line. This is a powerful word that carries a lot of weight. It suggests movement, change, and a sense of purpose. By using this word, Service is highlighting the fact that humans aren't static beings. We're always on the move, always changing, always looking for something more. This ties in nicely with the theme of the poem, which is all about the search for companionship and a sense of belonging.
Another interesting thing about this poem is the way Service uses imagery. He compares humans to birds, which is a common literary device. But what's really interesting is the way he describes the birds. He talks about how they "wheel and bank and twitter" in the first line, which creates a vivid image of birds in flight. But then he goes on to say that they "group themselves for calling" in the last line. This is a powerful image because it suggests that the birds are communicating with each other. They're not just flying around aimlessly; they're working together towards a common goal. This is exactly what humans do when we seek out others like us. We're trying to connect, to communicate, and to work together towards a common goal.
Interpretation
So what does all of this mean? What is Service trying to say with this poem?
In my opinion, Birds of a Feather is a poem about the importance of human connection. We are social creatures by nature, and we need others like us in order to survive and thrive. This is true for all humans, regardless of our background, race, or socio-economic status. We all need companionship and a sense of belonging.
But there's another layer to this poem as well. Service isn't just saying that we need to be with others like us; he's also saying that we need to work together towards a common goal. This is evident in the way he describes the birds "grouping themselves for calling." It suggests that they're not just hanging out together; they're working together towards something.
So what is it that humans are working towards? Service doesn't say explicitly, but I think it's safe to assume that he's talking about something greater than just ourselves. Perhaps he's talking about the need for humans to band together in times of crisis, to support each other through difficult times, and to work towards a better world for everyone.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Birds of a Feather is a powerful poem that packs a lot of meaning into just six lines. It's a reminder that humans are social creatures by nature, and that we need others like us in order to survive and thrive. But it's also a call to action, urging us to work together towards a common goal. Whether that goal is personal happiness or a better world for everyone, the message is clear: we are stronger together than we are alone.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Birds of a Feather: A Classic Poem by Robert Service
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his masterful works. One of his most famous poems, "Birds of a Feather," is a beautiful ode to the power of friendship and the joy it brings. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the lines, "Birds of a feather flock together, / And so will pigs and swine; / Rats and mice will have their choice, / And so will I have mine." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the bonds that bring people together. The metaphor of birds flocking together is a common one, but Service uses it in a unique way to convey the idea that people with similar interests and personalities tend to gravitate towards each other.
The second stanza of the poem reads, "Dainty dogs will have their day, / And so will I have mine; / Life's a game that people play, / And so will I have mine." Here, Service is emphasizing the idea that life is a game, and we all have our own roles to play. The phrase "dainty dogs" is a reference to people who are privileged and pampered, while "having their day" means that they will eventually get what they want. Service is suggesting that everyone has their own path in life, and it's up to them to make the most of it.
The third stanza of the poem is where Service really starts to delve into the theme of friendship. He writes, "Show me someone not too selfish, / And I'll show you a happy man. / Show me someone who has forgotten, / And I'll show you a soul in pain." These lines are a powerful reminder that true happiness comes from giving to others and being selfless. Service is suggesting that the key to a fulfilling life is to surround oneself with people who share this philosophy.
The fourth stanza of the poem is perhaps the most famous. It reads, "Birds of a feather flock together, / And so will pigs and swine; / Rats and mice will have their choice, / And so will I have mine." These lines are a repetition of the first stanza, but they take on a deeper meaning in the context of the entire poem. Service is suggesting that the bonds of friendship are just as strong as those of animals who flock together. He is also emphasizing the idea that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, and that includes the people they choose to surround themselves with.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a beautiful tribute to the power of friendship. Service writes, "Friendship is a noble thing, / Of friendship it is good to sing. / For truly when a man shall end, / He lives in memory of his friend." These lines are a reminder that the bonds of friendship can last a lifetime, and even beyond. Service is suggesting that the memories we create with our friends are what truly matter in the end.
The sixth and final stanza of the poem is a call to action. Service writes, "Who cares not for a friend's plight, / He shall be lonely in the night. / When he lies down to pleasant dreams, / His heart is full of evil schemes." These lines are a warning that those who do not value friendship will ultimately be unhappy and unfulfilled. Service is suggesting that we should all strive to be good friends to those around us, and that this is the key to a happy and fulfilling life.
In terms of literary devices, Service uses a number of techniques to convey his message. The most obvious is the use of repetition, which is used to emphasize the central theme of the poem. The metaphor of birds flocking together is also a powerful image that is used throughout the poem. Service also uses rhyme and meter to create a musical quality to the poem, which adds to its overall impact.
In terms of historical context, "Birds of a Feather" was written in the early 20th century, a time when the world was undergoing significant changes. The Industrial Revolution had transformed society, and people were beginning to question traditional values and beliefs. Service's poem can be seen as a response to this changing world, emphasizing the importance of friendship and community in a time of rapid change.
In conclusion, "Birds of a Feather" is a beautiful poem that celebrates the power of friendship and the bonds that bring people together. Through its use of repetition, metaphor, and rhyme, Service conveys a powerful message about the importance of valuing those around us. The poem is a timeless reminder that true happiness comes from giving to others and being selfless, and that the memories we create with our friends are what truly matter in the end.
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