'The Three Bares' by Robert Service


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Ma tried to wash her garden slacks but couldn't get 'em clean
And so she thought she'd soak 'em in a bucket o' benzine.
It worked all right. She wrung 'em out then wondered what she'd do
With all that bucket load of high explosive residue.
She knew that it was dangerous to scatter it around,
For Grandpa liked to throw his lighted matches on the ground.
Somehow she didn't dare to pour it down the kitchen sink,
And what the heck to do with it, poor Ma jest couldn't think.

Then Nature seemed to give the clue, as down the garden lot
She spied the edifice that graced a solitary spot,
Their Palace of Necessity, the family joy and pride,
Enshrined in morning-glory vine, with graded seats inside;
Jest like that cabin Goldylocks found occupied by three,
But in this case B-E-A-R was spelt B-A-R-E----
A tiny seat for Baby Bare, a medium for Ma,
A full-sized section sacred to the Bare of Grandpapa.

Well, Ma was mighty glad to get that worry off her mind,
And hefting up the bucket so combustibly inclined,
She hurried down the garden to that refuge so discreet,
And dumped the liquid menace safely through the centre seat.

Next morning old Grandpa arose; he made a hearty meal,
And sniffed the air and said: 'By Gosh! how full of beans I feel.
Darned if I ain't as fresh as paint; my joy will be complete
With jest a quiet session on the usual morning seat;
To smoke me pipe an' meditate, an' maybe write a pome,
For that's the time when bits o' rhyme gits jiggin' in me dome.'

He sat down on that special seat slicked shiny by his age,
And looking like Walt Whitman, jest a silver-whiskered sage,
He filled his corn-cob to the brim and tapped it snugly down,
And chuckled: 'Of a perfect day I reckon this the crown.'
He lit the weed, it soothed his need, it was so soft and sweet:
And then he dropped the lighted match clean through the middle seat.

His little grand-child Rosyleen cried from the kichen door:
'Oh, Ma, come quick; there's sompin wrong; I heared a dreffel roar;
Oh, Ma, I see a sheet of flame; it's rising high and higher...
Oh, Mummy dear, I sadly fear our comfort-cot's caught fire.'

Poor Ma was thrilled with horror at them words o' Rosyleen.
She thought of Grandpa's matches and that bucket of benzine;
So down the garden geared on high, she ran with all her power,
For regular was Grandpa, and she knew it was his hour.
Then graspin' gaspin' Rosyleen she peered into the fire,
A roarin' soarin' furnace now, perchance old Grandpa's pyre....

But as them twain expressed their pain they heard a hearty cheer----
Behold the old rapscallion squattinn' in the duck pond near,
His silver whiskers singed away, a gosh-almighty wreck,
Wi' half a yard o' toilet seat entwined about his neck....

He cried: 'Say, folks, oh, did ye hear the big blow-out I made?
It scared me stiff - I hope you-uns was not too much afraid?
But now I best be crawlin' out o' this dog-gasted wet....
For what I aim to figger out is----WHAT THE HECK I ET?'

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Three Bares: A Masterpiece by Robert Service

As a lover of poetry, I have always been drawn to the works of Robert Service - the famous bard of the Yukon. His poems are a masterful blend of humor, pathos, and adventure, and his use of language is simply exquisite. However, there is one poem of his that has always stood out to me - The Three Bares. This classic piece of literature is a masterpiece that deserves to be studied and appreciated by all lovers of poetry. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will be exploring the various themes, symbols, and literary techniques used in The Three Bares and unpacking their significance.

The Poem: An Overview

Before delving into the nitty-gritty of the poem, let us take a moment to appreciate its beauty. The Three Bares is a narrative poem that tells the story of three bears - a mother bear and her two cubs - who live in the Yukon wilderness. One day, they stumble upon a cabin belonging to a man named Bill, who is out hunting. The bears decide to make themselves at home in the cabin, and chaos ensues when Bill returns. The poem is written in Service's signature rhyming verse and is a delightful read from start to finish.

Themes

At its core, The Three Bares is a poem about the clash between nature and civilization. The bears represent the natural world, while Bill represents the civilized world. The poem explores the tension that arises when these two worlds collide and raises questions about who has the right to claim ownership over the land.

One theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of home. The bears are looking for a place to call home, and they find it in Bill's cabin. However, Bill sees the cabin as his home, and the conflict between the two parties arises from this difference in perspective. The poem asks us to consider what it means to have a home and who has the right to claim ownership over it.

Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of survival. The bears are in a constant battle for survival, whether it is against the harsh Yukon winters or against humans who see them as a threat. The poem explores the lengths that creatures will go to in order to survive and the sacrifices that must be made.

Symbols

One of the most significant symbols in the poem is the cabin itself. The cabin represents civilization and all that comes with it - ownership, property rights, and a sense of belonging. For Bill, the cabin is a symbol of his hard work and dedication, and he is fiercely protective of it. However, for the bears, the cabin represents safety and a place to call home. The conflict arises from the fact that both parties see the cabin as a symbol of something different.

Another symbol that emerges from the poem is the idea of the three bares. The bears are bare in the sense that they are vulnerable and exposed to the elements. They are also bare in the sense that they are stripped of any human attributes or characteristics. The three bares represent the purity of nature and the wild, untamed spirit of the wilderness.

Imagery

Service's use of imagery is one of the things that makes The Three Bares such a powerful poem. He paints a vivid picture of the Yukon wilderness, with its snow-covered landscape and harsh, unforgiving winters. The imagery is both beautiful and terrifying, and it serves to highlight the harsh realities of life in the wilderness.

One of the most memorable images in the poem is that of the bears sitting around the fireplace in the cabin. This image is both humorous and poignant, as it shows the bears attempting to make themselves at home in a human environment. It also highlights the divide between the natural world and the civilized world.

Tone and Style

Service's tone throughout the poem is one of humor and whimsy. He pokes fun at both the bears and Bill, highlighting their respective flaws and weaknesses. However, there is also a sense of sadness and melancholy that runs through the poem, particularly when the bears are forced to flee the cabin and return to the harsh realities of the wilderness.

In terms of style, Service's use of rhyming verse is masterful. The rhyme scheme is simple and effective, and it serves to give the poem a sense of rhythm and flow. The use of colloquial language and slang also adds to the poem's charm, making it feel like a story that is being told around a campfire.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Three Bares is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be studied and appreciated. Its exploration of themes such as home, survival, and the clash between nature and civilization is both thought-provoking and poignant. Service's use of symbolism, imagery, and language is masterful, and he paints a vivid picture of life in the Yukon wilderness. This poem is a true gem of literature, and it is a testament to the enduring power of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Three Bares: A Poem of Strength and Resilience

Robert Service, the renowned poet and writer, is known for his powerful and evocative works that capture the essence of the human experience. One of his most famous poems, The Three Bares, is a stirring tribute to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

The poem tells the story of three men who are stranded in the wilderness, facing the harsh realities of nature and the elements. As they struggle to survive, they are forced to confront their own weaknesses and limitations, and to find the inner strength to overcome them.

At its core, The Three Bares is a poem about the power of perseverance and determination in the face of adversity. It is a celebration of the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we are capable of rising above our circumstances and achieving greatness.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the three men, who are described as "three gaunt giants" with "bodies brown and bare". They are depicted as rugged and weathered, with faces that are "grim and lined and scarred". Despite their rough exterior, however, there is a sense of nobility and strength about them that is impossible to ignore.

As the poem unfolds, we learn that the three men are stranded in the wilderness, with no food or shelter to protect them from the elements. They are forced to rely on their own wits and strength to survive, and they do so with a fierce determination that is truly inspiring.

Throughout the poem, Service uses powerful imagery and metaphor to convey the strength and resilience of the three men. For example, he describes them as "three great boulders" that are "firmly set in the earth". This image conveys a sense of solidity and immovability, suggesting that the men are unshakeable in their resolve to survive.

Similarly, Service uses the metaphor of the "three bares" to symbolize the men's nakedness and vulnerability in the face of nature. However, he also suggests that their bareness is a source of strength, as it represents their willingness to face their fears and confront their weaknesses head-on.

As the poem progresses, we see the men facing a series of challenges and obstacles that test their strength and resilience to the limit. They are forced to endure hunger, cold, and exhaustion, and to confront the harsh realities of nature in all its fury.

Despite these challenges, however, the men never lose their sense of purpose or determination. They continue to push forward, driven by a fierce will to survive and a deep sense of pride in their own strength and resilience.

In the end, the men emerge from their ordeal as true heroes, having overcome the odds and proven their mettle in the face of adversity. They are depicted as triumphant and proud, with a sense of accomplishment that is truly inspiring.

Overall, The Three Bares is a powerful and evocative poem that celebrates the strength and resilience of the human spirit. It is a testament to the power of perseverance and determination, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, we are capable of rising above our circumstances and achieving greatness.

Whether you are facing your own personal challenges or simply looking for inspiration and motivation, The Three Bares is a poem that is sure to resonate with you. So take a moment to read it, and let its powerful message of strength and resilience inspire you to greatness.

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