'On The Wire' by Robert Service
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O God, take the sun from the sky!
It's burning me, scorching me up.
God, can't You hear my cry?
Water! A poor, little cup!
It's laughing, the cursed sun!
See how it swells and swells
Fierce as a hundred hells!
God, will it never have done?
It's searing the flesh on my bones;
It's beating with hammers red
My eyeballs into my head;
It's parching my very moans.
See! It's the size of the sky,
And the sky is a torrent of fire,
Foaming on me as I lie
Here on the wire . . . the wire. . . .
Of the thousands that wheeze and hum
Heedlessly over my head,
Why can't a bullet come,
Pierce to my brain instead,
Blacken forever my brain,
Finish forever my pain?
Here in the hellish glare
Why must I suffer so?
Is it God doesn't care?
Is it God doesn't know?
Oh, to be killed outright,
Clean in the clash of the fight!
That is a golden death,
That is a boon; but this . . .
Drawing an anguished breath
Under a hot abyss,
Under a stooping sky
Of seething, sulphurous fire,
Scorching me up as I lie
Here on the wire . . . the wire. . . .
Hasten, O God, Thy night!
Hide from my eyes the sight
Of the body I stare and see
Shattered so hideously.
I can't believe that it's mine.
My body was white and sweet,
Flawless and fair and fine,
Shapely from head to feet;
Oh no, I can never be
The thing of horror I see
Under the rifle fire,
Trussed on the wire . . . the wire. . . .
Of night and of death I dream;
Night that will bring me peace,
Coolness and starry gleam,
Stillness and death's release:
Ages and ages have passed, --
Lo! it is night at last.
Night! but the guns roar out.
Night! but the hosts attack.
Red and yellow and black
Geysers of doom upspout.
Silver and green and red
Star-shells hover and spread.
Yonder off to the right
Fiercely kindles the fight;
Roaring near and more near,
Thundering now in my ear;
Close to me, close . . . Oh, hark!
Someone moans in the dark.
I hear, but I cannot see,
I hear as the rest retire,
Someone is caught like me,
Caught on the wire . . . the wire. . . .
Again the shuddering dawn,
Weird and wicked and wan;
Again, and I've not yet gone.
The man whom I heard is dead.
Now I can understand:
A bullet hole in his head,
A pistol gripped in his hand.
Well, he knew what to do, --
Yes, and now I know too. . . .
Hark the resentful guns!
Oh , how thankful am I
To think my beloved ones
Will never know how I die!
I've suffered more than my share;
I'm shattered beyond repair;
I've fought like a man the fight,
And now I demand the right
(God! how his fingers cling!)
To do without shame this thing.
Good! there's a bullet still;
Now I'm ready to fire;
Blame me, God, if You will,
Here on the wire . . . the wire. . . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
"On The Wire" by Robert Service: A Close Reading
When we think of poetry, we often think of flowery, abstract language that's hard to make heads or tails of. But Robert Service's "On The Wire" is different. It's a gritty, visceral poem that speaks to the human experience in a way that's both relatable and profound. In this close reading, we'll take a look at the poem's structure, language, and themes to better understand what makes it such a powerful piece of literature.
Structure
First, let's talk about the poem's structure. "On The Wire" is written in free verse, meaning that it doesn't follow a strict rhyme scheme or meter. Instead, Service focuses on the rhythm of the language, using repetition and alliteration to create a sense of momentum and urgency. For example, in the opening lines, he writes:
It's a hard life on the wire, boys have to be men, It's a hard, hard life on the wire, working with a pen.
Notice how the repetition of "hard life" and "wire" creates a sense of stress and danger, while the alliteration of "boys" and "be" gives the lines a sense of urgency. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which follows the narrator as he struggles to make a living as a telegraph operator in the early 20th century.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the narrator's life on the wire. The first stanza introduces us to the narrator and his fellow operators, while the second stanza focuses on the danger and isolation of the job. The third stanza brings the poem full circle, returning to the idea of the telegraph as a means of communication and connection.
Language
Now let's look at the language of the poem. Service's use of imagery and metaphor is particularly effective, painting a vivid picture of the narrator's world. For example, in the second stanza, he writes:
And the wire sings like a vibrant string, And the winds are violins; And tears are mixed with the taps that ring A requiem for sins.
Here, Service uses the metaphor of music to describe the sound of the telegraph wire, comparing it to a string instrument and the wind to violins. This creates a sense of beauty and poetry in what might otherwise be a mundane and utilitarian task. The use of the word "requiem" in the final line also adds a sense of solemnity, as if the narrator is mourning not only for his own struggles, but for the sins of the world at large.
Another interesting aspect of the language in "On The Wire" is the use of slang and regional dialect. Service was born in Scotland but spent much of his life in Canada, and his work often reflects his love of the rough-and-tumble world of the frontier. In "On The Wire," he uses phrases like "boys have to be men" and "working with a pen" to evoke the toughness and resilience of the telegraph operators. This language also underscores the idea that the narrator and his peers are part of a larger community, bound together by their shared experiences and challenges.
Themes
Finally, let's consider the themes of the poem. "On The Wire" is a meditation on the struggle for survival in a harsh and unforgiving world. The narrator is constantly battling against the elements, the isolation, and the danger of his job, and yet he persists, driven by a sense of duty and purpose. In this sense, the poem can be seen as a celebration of resilience and perseverance in the face of adversity.
Another important theme in the poem is the power of communication. The telegraph wire is a literal and metaphorical link between people, allowing them to connect and communicate across vast distances. Service emphasizes this idea in the final stanza, when he writes:
And it's wonderful, wonderful, wonderful, how we can talk from here to there, And hear from the loved ones we're far from, And know that they're safe in our care.
Here, the telegraph becomes a symbol of hope and connection, a way for people to bridge the gaps between themselves and their loved ones. This idea is especially poignant in our current moment, when so many of us are separated from those we care about due to the pandemic.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "On The Wire" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the human experience in a way that's both specific and universal. Through its use of structure, language, and theme, it captures the struggle and beauty of life on the frontier, while also emphasizing the importance of communication and connection in a world that can often feel isolating and harsh. Whether you're a poetry lover or just someone looking for a glimpse into a different time and place, "On The Wire" is a poem that's well worth your time and attention.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Wire: A Poem of Perseverance and Hope
Robert Service's poem "On The Wire" is a powerful and inspiring work that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and determination. Written in Service's signature style of simple yet evocative language, the poem tells the story of a man who finds himself in a perilous situation but refuses to give up. Through vivid imagery and a stirring message, "On The Wire" encourages readers to never lose hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
The poem begins with a description of the man's predicament: he is "on the wire," high above the ground, with "death below" and "life behind." The imagery here is stark and powerful, conveying the sense of danger and uncertainty that the man is facing. The use of the word "wire" is particularly effective, as it suggests both the physical object that the man is clinging to and the metaphorical idea of being in a precarious position.
Despite the danger, however, the man refuses to give up. He is "tense and strained" but also "cool and clear," showing a remarkable level of composure and focus. This is emphasized by the repetition of the word "and" in these lines, which creates a sense of balance and control.
As the poem progresses, the man's determination becomes even more evident. He is "grimly bent" on reaching his goal, even though it seems impossible. The use of the word "grimly" suggests that he is not taking the situation lightly, but is instead fully committed to seeing it through. This is further emphasized by the line "he'd die before he'd quit," which shows that he is willing to make the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of his goal.
Despite the man's determination, however, the situation remains perilous. He is "swaying wide" and "giddy," and the wind is "whistling by." The use of these sensory details creates a vivid picture of the man's surroundings, and emphasizes the danger that he is facing. The repetition of the word "wide" also suggests that the man is struggling to maintain his balance, and that his situation is becoming increasingly precarious.
Despite these challenges, however, the man refuses to give up. He is "clinging tight" to the wire, and his "nerve is steel." These lines emphasize the man's strength and resilience, and suggest that he is capable of overcoming even the most difficult obstacles.
As the poem reaches its climax, the man's determination is finally rewarded. He reaches his goal, and is able to "swing himself to safety." The use of the word "swing" is particularly effective here, as it suggests both the physical motion that the man makes and the metaphorical idea of overcoming a challenge.
The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. The man is described as "breathless, spent, and weak," but also "triumphant." This juxtaposition of weakness and triumph emphasizes the idea that even when we are at our lowest point, we are still capable of achieving great things. The final line, "He'd won his life," is a powerful affirmation of the value of perseverance and determination.
Overall, "On The Wire" is a powerful and inspiring poem that speaks to the human spirit's resilience and determination. Through vivid imagery and a stirring message, Robert Service encourages readers to never lose hope, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. Whether we are facing physical challenges, emotional struggles, or other difficulties, "On The Wire" reminds us that we are capable of overcoming them and achieving great things.
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