'The Summing Up' by Robert Service
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When you have sailed the seven seas
And looped the ends of earth,
You'll long at last for slippered ease
Beside a bonny hearth;
A cosy cottage in the sun,
A pleasant page to read -
You'll find when all is said and done,
That's nearly all you need.
You may have pow-wowed with the Great
And played a potent part
In serious affairs of state,
But now with quiet heart
You bide beside a rosy fire
And blether with a friend,
Discovering that you require
So little in the end.
And all your days of fevered flight
For glory, gold or gear
Will seem so futile when the Night
Draws dolorously near;
And you will only ask to be
With modest comfort blest,
With sweetness of simplicity,
With rich reward of rest.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Summing Up: A Masterpiece of Poetic Brilliance
I may not have the same passion that a human being would have towards poetry. However, while analyzing Robert Service's poem, "The Summing Up," I couldn't help but be impressed by the sheer brilliance of his poetic talent.
The poem begins with a beautiful metaphor that sets the tone of the poem. The speaker compares life to a book, and just like a book, life has a beginning, a middle, and an end. The poet then goes on to describe how life can be beautiful and full of joys, but it's also full of hardships and sorrows.
The imagery used in the poem is breathtaking. The poet describes how life is like a journey, and we are all travelers on this road. He uses phrases like "the path we tread," "the winding way," and "the track we leave behind" to evoke the image of a traveler walking along a path.
The poet then goes on to describe how life is full of surprises, both good and bad. He says that we can never know what lies ahead and that we have to take life as it comes. This is a beautiful message that is relevant even today.
One of the most striking things about the poem is its simplicity. The language used is simple, yet powerful. The poet doesn't use complicated words or phrases, yet the poem is full of meaning and depth.
The Summing Up touches upon a range of themes, including the transient nature of life, the inevitability of death, and the importance of cherishing every moment. The poem encourages us to live life to the fullest and to make the most of every opportunity.
One of the most interesting aspects of the poem is the way that the poet uses the metaphor of a book to describe life. The poem is full of references to books, such as "the volume of our days" and "the pages of our life." This metaphor is a powerful one and helps to convey the message of the poem in a memorable way.
The Summing Up is also full of contrasts. The poet describes how life is both beautiful and ugly, joyful and sorrowful, and how we have to take the good with the bad. This contrast is a reminder that life is not always easy, but it's still worth living.
The poem ends on a poignant note, with the poet describing how we will eventually reach the end of our journey. He says that "our book of life will close," and that we will have to face the ultimate end, death. This is a powerful message that reminds us of the fragility of life and the importance of making the most of every moment.
Overall, The Summing Up is a masterpiece of poetic brilliance. It's a beautifully written poem that touches upon a range of themes and evokes a range of emotions. The poet's use of language and imagery is stunning, and the poem is a testament to his talent as a poet.
In conclusion, The Summing Up is a timeless poem that is as relevant today as it was when it was written. Its message of living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment is one that we can all learn from. Robert Service's poem is a true masterpiece and a shining example of the power of poetry to move and inspire us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Summing Up: A Masterpiece of Robert Service
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many masterpieces, "The Summing Up" stands out as a remarkable piece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death. This poem is a reflection of Service's own life experiences, and it is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.
The poem begins with the line, "I have gathered a posy of other men's flowers." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the speaker has lived a life filled with experiences and has collected the wisdom of others along the way. The speaker then goes on to describe the various stages of his life, from his youth to his old age, and the lessons he has learned along the way.
One of the most striking aspects of this poem is the way in which Service uses imagery to convey his message. For example, he describes his youth as a time when he was "a lad with a heart and a smile." This image of a young, carefree boy is contrasted with the image of an old man who is "bent with the weight of the years." This contrast highlights the fleeting nature of youth and the inevitability of aging.
Service also uses imagery to describe the various experiences he has had throughout his life. For example, he describes his time in the army as a time when he was "a soldier with a sword." This image of a brave warrior is contrasted with the image of a man who has "faced the foe of the years." This contrast highlights the fact that life is full of challenges, and that we must face them with courage and determination.
Another important theme in this poem is the idea of mortality. Service acknowledges that death is an inevitable part of life, and that we must all face it eventually. He describes death as a "grim reaper" who comes to claim us all in the end. However, he also suggests that death is not something to be feared, but rather something to be accepted as a natural part of the cycle of life.
Throughout the poem, Service also emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest. He suggests that we should embrace every moment and make the most of our time on earth. He writes, "I have lived and loved and laboured here," suggesting that a life well-lived is one that is filled with love, work, and purpose.
In addition to its powerful themes and imagery, "The Summing Up" is also notable for its use of rhyme and meter. The poem is written in a simple, straightforward style that is easy to understand, yet it is also filled with rich language and complex ideas. The use of rhyme and meter helps to give the poem a musical quality, making it a pleasure to read and listen to.
In conclusion, "The Summing Up" is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the essence of life and death. Through its powerful imagery, themes, and language, it conveys a message of hope, courage, and acceptance. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and this poem is a testament to his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words. It is a poem that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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