'Pragmatic' by Robert Service
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When young I was an Atheist,
Yea, pompous as a pigeon
No opportunity I missed
To satirize religion.
I sneered at Scripture, scoffed at Faith,
I blasphemed at believers:
Said I: "There's nothing after Death,--
Your priests are just deceivers."
In middle age I was not so
Contemptuous and caustic.
Thought I: "There's much I do not know:
I'd better be agnostic.
The hope of immortality
'Tis foolish to be flouting."
So in the end I came to be
A doubter of my doubting.
Now I am old, with steps inclined
To hesitate and falter;
I find I get such peace of mind
Just sitting by an altar.
So Friends, don't scorn the family pew,
The preachments of the kirks:
Religion may be false or true,
But by the Lord!--it works.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Pragmatic by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
If you're looking for a poem that combines wit and wisdom with a touch of humor, look no further than "Pragmatic" by Robert Service. This classic poem, originally published in 1916, is a shining example of Service's ability to capture the human condition in a few simple lines. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at the themes, imagery, and literary techniques employed in "Pragmatic".
Themes
At its core, "Pragmatic" is a poem about the struggle between idealism and practicality. The speaker, who we can assume is Service himself, begins the poem by declaring his love for "the things that haven't happened yet". He's a dreamer, an idealist, someone who looks to the future with hope and optimism. But he's also aware of the harsh realities of life, and he knows that sometimes the pragmatic approach is the only one that makes sense.
This tension between idealism and practicality is woven throughout the poem. On the one hand, the speaker has a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around him. He describes the "sunset skies" and the "purple hills" with a sense of awe and reverence. But at the same time, he recognizes that these things are fleeting, that they can't last forever. He knows that the world can be a cruel and unforgiving place, and that sometimes you have to be tough and pragmatic to survive.
Imagery
One of the things that makes "Pragmatic" such a memorable poem is the vivid and evocative imagery that Service employs. He paints a picture of a world that is both beautiful and dangerous, a world that is full of wonder and despair.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the "purple hills". This is an image that recurs throughout Service's work, and it's easy to see why. The hills represent a kind of timeless beauty, something that is both awe-inspiring and comforting. They are a symbol of the natural world, the unchanging backdrop against which all of our struggles and triumphs play out.
Another powerful image in the poem is the "tattered banner". This is a symbol of hope, of the human spirit that refuses to be defeated. The banner may be tattered and torn, but it still flies proudly, a reminder of all that we can achieve when we work together.
Literary Techniques
In addition to its themes and imagery, "Pragmatic" also showcases a range of literary techniques that make it a masterful piece of poetry. One of the most effective of these is Service's use of repetition. He repeats certain phrases and ideas throughout the poem, creating a sense of rhythm and momentum that draws the reader in.
For example, the phrase "the things that haven't happened yet" is repeated several times throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of anticipation, a feeling that something big and exciting is just around the corner. It also reinforces the idea of idealism, of looking to the future with hope and optimism.
Another effective technique that Service employs is the use of rhyme and meter. The poem has a simple, sing-song rhythm that is easy to follow and remember. This makes it a poem that is easy to recite and share, which is one of the reasons why it has remained so popular over the years.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Pragmatic" is a classic poem that stands the test of time. It's a poem that speaks to the human condition, to our hopes and fears, our strengths and weaknesses. It's a poem that celebrates the beauty and wonder of the world around us, while also acknowledging the harsh realities of life. And it's a poem that showcases the immense talent and skill of Robert Service, one of the great poets of the 20th century. If you haven't read "Pragmatic" before, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Pragmatic: A Poem of Practicality and Realism
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his unique style of writing. His poems are known for their simplicity, yet they convey profound messages that resonate with readers of all ages. One such poem that stands out is "Pragmatic," a masterpiece that captures the essence of practicality and realism.
The poem begins with the speaker stating that he is not a dreamer, but a practical man who believes in facing reality. He acknowledges that life is not always easy, and one must be prepared to face the challenges that come their way. The speaker's pragmatic approach to life is evident in the lines, "I'm not a dreamer, I'm a doer, / I'll make things happen, I'll get through."
The poem then takes a philosophical turn as the speaker reflects on the transience of life. He acknowledges that life is fleeting and that one must make the most of it while they can. The lines, "Life is short, and time is fleeting, / And our hearts, though stout and brave, / Still, like muffled drums, are beating / Funeral marches to the grave," convey a sense of urgency and remind us that we must seize the day.
The speaker then goes on to talk about the importance of perseverance and determination. He acknowledges that success is not easy to come by and that one must work hard to achieve their goals. The lines, "Success is failure turned inside out, / The silver tint of the clouds of doubt, / And you never can tell how close you are, / It may be near when it seems afar," remind us that success is not a destination but a journey, and that we must keep pushing forward even in the face of adversity.
The poem then takes a turn towards the spiritual as the speaker talks about the importance of faith. He acknowledges that life can be tough, and there will be times when we feel lost and alone. However, he reminds us that we are never truly alone and that we can always turn to a higher power for guidance and support. The lines, "So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit, / It's when things seem worst that you mustn't quit," remind us that we must have faith in ourselves and in a higher power, and that we must never give up hope.
The poem ends with the speaker acknowledging that life is not always fair, and that we must learn to accept the things we cannot change. He reminds us that we must focus on the things we can control and make the most of what we have. The lines, "If you want a thing bad enough / To go out and fight for it, / Work day and night for it, / Give up your time and your peace and your sleep for it," remind us that we must be willing to work hard and make sacrifices if we want to achieve our goals.
In conclusion, "Pragmatic" is a poem that captures the essence of practicality and realism. It reminds us that life is not always easy, and that we must be prepared to face the challenges that come our way. The poem also emphasizes the importance of perseverance, determination, faith, and acceptance. It is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire readers of all ages to this day.
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