'Eighty Not Out' by Robert Service


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In 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: An Analysis of Robert Service's Classic Poem

Robert Service's "Eighty Not Out" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem about aging, death, and the memories that remain in the hearts of those left behind. The poem has been praised for its simplicity, its honesty, and its ability to capture the essence of what it means to grow old. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and the overall impact of this classic poem.

Theme

One of the main themes of "Eighty Not Out" is the inevitability of death. The poem is about an old man who has reached the end of his life and is reflecting on the memories that he has accumulated over the years. The poem is filled with imagery that evokes a sense of nostalgia and longing for a life that is slowly slipping away.

The old man in the poem realizes that he has lived a long and full life, but now his time has come. He knows that he cannot escape death, and he is resigned to the fact that his time is up. However, he is not bitter or angry about his fate. Instead, he is at peace with himself and his place in the world.

Another theme of the poem is the importance of memories. The old man in the poem is surrounded by memories of his life. He reflects on the people he has loved, the places he has been, and the experiences he has had. These memories are all he has left, and he cherishes them above all else.

Literary Devices

Service employs several literary devices to convey the themes of the poem. One of these devices is imagery. The descriptions of the old man's memories are vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a life well-lived. For example, when the old man remembers his wife, he describes her as "the light of my life/ And the joy of my heart." This imagery is powerful and evokes a sense of warmth and love.

Another literary device used in the poem is symbolism. The title "Eighty Not Out" is a reference to the game of cricket, where "not out" means that the batsman has not been dismissed. The title is a symbol of the old man's resilience and determination to keep going, even in the face of death. The poem also makes use of the symbol of the "golden years," which is a reference to the period of life after retirement when people are free to pursue their hobbies and interests.

Interpretation

"Eighty Not Out" is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of aging and mortality. It is a poem that forces us to confront our own mortality and reflect on the memories that we will leave behind. The poem is a reminder that life is short, and we should cherish every moment that we have.

The old man in the poem serves as a role model for how to approach the end of life. He is at peace with his fate, and he cherishes the memories that he has accumulated over the years. He serves as an inspiration for us all to live our lives to the fullest and to make the most of the time we have.

The poem also highlights the importance of family and community. The old man's memories are filled with the people he has loved and the relationships he has built over the years. These relationships are what give his life meaning, and they are what he cherishes most in his final moments.

Impact

"Eighty Not Out" is a classic poem that has had a lasting impact on readers. It has been praised for its simplicity, its honesty, and its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing. The poem has been widely anthologized, and it continues to be taught in schools and universities around the world.

The poem has also inspired many readers to reflect on their own lives and the memories that they have accumulated. It has encouraged readers to think about the legacy they will leave behind and the impact they will have on the world.

In conclusion, "Eighty Not Out" is a timeless poem that speaks to the universal human experience of aging and mortality. It is a poem that reminds us to cherish the memories we have and to live our lives to the fullest. The poem has had a lasting impact on readers, and it will continue to inspire and resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Eighty Not Out: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

Robert Service, the famous Scottish-Canadian poet, is known for his ability to capture the essence of life in his poems. His works are often characterized by their simplicity, humor, and relatability. One such poem that stands out is "Eighty Not Out," a delightful piece that celebrates the joys of aging.

The poem begins with the speaker, an elderly man, reflecting on his life. He acknowledges that he is no longer young and that his body is not as strong as it used to be. However, he is quick to point out that he is still alive and kicking, and that he has no intention of slowing down anytime soon. He declares, "I'm eighty years of age, I'm spry as any colt; / And looking back I'm filled with joy, / And bubbling o'er with jolt."

The speaker's enthusiasm is infectious, and it is hard not to feel uplifted by his words. He goes on to describe the various activities that he enjoys, such as fishing, hunting, and hiking. He revels in the beauty of nature and the simple pleasures of life. He says, "I love the smell of wood smoke, / I love the taste of game, / I love the feel of frosty air, / And snowflakes on my frame."

The poem is full of vivid imagery that brings the speaker's experiences to life. We can almost feel the chill of the winter air and the crunch of the snow beneath our feet. We can imagine the thrill of catching a fish or spotting a deer in the woods. The poem is a celebration of the senses and the joys of being alive.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the way in which the speaker embraces his age. He does not lament the passing of his youth or bemoan his physical limitations. Instead, he sees his age as a source of wisdom and experience. He says, "I've lived a life of ups and downs, / Of happiness and tears; / But now I'm like a seasoned oak, / That's weathered many years."

The speaker's attitude towards aging is refreshing and inspiring. In a society that often values youth and beauty above all else, it is easy to forget that there is beauty and value in every stage of life. The poem reminds us that growing old is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced and celebrated.

Another notable aspect of the poem is its use of rhyme and rhythm. The poem has a jaunty, upbeat rhythm that mirrors the speaker's lively spirit. The rhyme scheme is simple and straightforward, with each stanza following an ABAB pattern. This simplicity adds to the poem's charm and accessibility, making it easy to read and understand.

In conclusion, "Eighty Not Out" is a delightful poem that celebrates the joys of aging. The speaker's enthusiasm and zest for life are infectious, and his attitude towards aging is inspiring. The poem is a reminder that growing old is not something to be feared or avoided, but rather something to be embraced and celebrated. Robert Service's simple yet powerful words remind us of the beauty and value of every stage of life, and for that, we are grateful.

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