'Spanish Women' by Robert Service


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The Spanish women don't wear slacks
Because their hips are too enormous.
'Tis true each bulbous bosom lacks
No inspiration that should warm us;
But how our ardor seems to freeze
When we behold their bulgy knees!

Their starry eyes and dusky hair,
Their dazzling teeth in smile so gracious,
I love, but oh I wish they were
Not so confoundedly curvacious.
I'm sure I would prefer them willowy,
Instead of obviously pillowy.

It may be that they're plump because
The caballeros like them that way;
Since men are lean and Nature's laws
Of contrast sway them to the fat way:
For few their dames as much adore, as
The señors love their sleek señoras.

Well, each according to his taste.
The dons prefer their women lardy,
But me, I likes a tiny waist,
And breast that fits a hand that's hardy:
In short, my bottom money backs
The baby who looks well in slacks.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Spanish Women": A Vivid and Captivating Portrayal of Passionate Love

As I delved into Robert Service's classic poem "Spanish Women", I was immediately drawn in by its vivid imagery and passionate tone. The poem, which was first published in 1916, is a masterful portrayal of the intense emotions that can arise from a love affair. With its lush descriptions of exotic landscapes and fiery women, "Spanish Women" is a work of art that continues to captivate readers to this day.

At its core, "Spanish Women" is a poem about desire and longing. The speaker, who is presumably the poet himself, is recounting his experiences with women he met during his travels in Spain. Throughout the poem, we see him grappling with his own passions, as he becomes increasingly enamored with the women and the country itself.

One of the most striking aspects of "Spanish Women" is its use of language. Service's writing is filled with lush, sensual descriptions that evoke the sights, sounds, and smells of Spain. From the "scent of oranges" to the "sepia moon" that hangs over the landscape, the poem is a feast for the senses. The language is rich and evocative, transporting the reader to a land of passion and romance.

But beyond its sensual imagery, "Spanish Women" is also a poem about the complexities of love. The speaker is torn between his desire for these women and his fear of losing himself in their passion. He acknowledges that they are "as deadly as a toreador / As subtle as a snake", and yet he cannot resist their allure. He is caught in a cycle of desire and regret, unable to fully give himself over to his feelings.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of "Spanish Women" is the way it portrays the women themselves. They are not mere objects of desire, but complex, fully-realized individuals with their own passions and desires. The speaker acknowledges their power and agency, describing them as "sultry, wild, and subtle / Proud daughters of the sun." In doing so, he elevates them beyond mere sexual conquests and imbues them with a sense of dignity and respect.

At the same time, however, the poem cannot escape the inherent power dynamics at play in a love affair. The women are described with words like "sultry" and "wild", while the speaker is portrayed as a helpless victim of their charms. The poem is a product of its time, and it reflects the gender norms and power structures of the early 20th century.

Despite this, "Spanish Women" remains a powerful and captivating poem. Its lush language and vivid imagery make it a joy to read, while its portrayal of the complexities of love make it a work of enduring artistic value. Whether you are a lover of poetry or simply a fan of passionate storytelling, "Spanish Women" is a work that deserves to be read and appreciated.

In conclusion, "Spanish Women" is a work of art that continues to captivate readers with its vivid imagery, passionate tone, and complex portrayal of love. Robert Service's mastery of language and storytelling make it a joy to read, while his depiction of the women he encountered in Spain elevates them beyond mere objects of desire. This is a poem that speaks to the human experience of desire and longing, and it remains a treasure of English literature to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Spanish Women: A Poem that Celebrates the Beauty and Passion of Spanish Women

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has written many poems that have captured the hearts and imaginations of readers all over the world. One of his most famous works is the poem "Spanish Women," which celebrates the beauty and passion of Spanish women. In this article, we will take a closer look at this classic poem and analyze its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem "Spanish Women" is a tribute to the beauty and passion of Spanish women. The poem begins with the speaker describing the beauty of Spanish women, saying that they are "dark-eyed, proud, and passionate." The speaker goes on to describe how the women of Spain are "like the sun that shines on Andalusia's hills," and how their beauty is "like the rose that blooms in Granada's vale."

The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative. The speaker uses words like "dark-eyed," "proud," and "passionate" to describe the women of Spain, painting a picture of strong, confident women who are not afraid to express their emotions. The comparison to the sun and the rose further emphasizes the beauty and vibrancy of Spanish women, and creates a sense of warmth and sensuality.

The poem also touches on the idea of love and passion. The speaker describes how the women of Spain are "like the flame that burns in the heart of the bullfighter," and how their passion is "like the wine that flows in the vineyards of Castile." These comparisons create a sense of intensity and passion, and suggest that Spanish women are not afraid to love deeply and express their emotions openly.

The language in the poem is simple and straightforward, but it is also rich and evocative. The use of alliteration in phrases like "dark-eyed, proud, and passionate" and "flame that burns in the heart of the bullfighter" creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, and adds to the overall beauty of the poem. The repetition of the word "like" in the comparisons also creates a sense of unity and coherence, and emphasizes the idea that Spanish women are all connected by their beauty and passion.

One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way it celebrates the beauty and strength of Spanish women. The speaker describes how the women of Spain are "like the steel that forges the swords of Toledo," and how their beauty is "like the gold that glitters in the mines of Leon." These comparisons suggest that Spanish women are not just beautiful, but also strong and resilient, and that their beauty is a reflection of their inner strength and power.

The poem also touches on the idea of cultural identity. The speaker describes how the women of Spain are "like the castanets that ring in the streets of Seville," and how their beauty is "like the song that rises from the lips of the troubadour." These comparisons suggest that Spanish women are not just beautiful and passionate, but also deeply connected to their cultural heritage and traditions.

In conclusion, "Spanish Women" is a beautiful and evocative poem that celebrates the beauty and passion of Spanish women. The imagery, language, and themes in the poem all work together to create a sense of warmth, sensuality, and cultural identity. Robert Service has captured the essence of Spanish women in this classic poem, and his words continue to inspire and enchant readers all over the world.

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