'Cows' by Robert Service


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I love to watch my seven cows
In meads of buttercups abrowse,
With guilded knees;
But even more I love to see
Them chew the cud so tranquilly
In twilight ease.

Each is the image of content
From fragrant hours in clover spent,
'Mid leaf and bud;
As up and down without a pause
Mechanically move their jaws
To chew the cud.

Friend, there's a hope for me and you:
Let us resolve to chew and chew
With molars strong;
The man who learns to masticate
With patience may control his fate,
His life prolong.

In salivation is salvation:
So if some silly little nation
Should bathe in blood,
Let's take a lesson from the cow,
And learn in life's long gloaming how
To chew the cud.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Cows" by Robert Service: A Poetic Journey of Nostalgia and Melancholy

Oh, dear readers! Today we embark on a journey through the nostalgic and melancholic landscapes of Robert Service's "Cows." This classic poem is an ode to the simpler times of rural life, where cows were not just livestock but also cherished companions. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the different elements of the poem, from its form to its themes, and how they converge to create a poignant piece of literature.

An Overview of the Poem

First things first, let's take a look at the poem itself. "Cows" is a 16-line poem that follows a simple AABB rhyme scheme. It is divided into four stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem describes the speaker's fond memories of his youth, specifically of the cows he used to know and love. He reminisces about their gentle and friendly nature, their milk, and the way they roamed free and happy in the fields.

The Form of the Poem

At first glance, "Cows" may seem like a simple and straightforward poem. The AABB rhyme scheme and the four-line stanzas are reminiscent of children's nursery rhymes. However, there is more to the form of the poem than meets the eye. The strict rhyme scheme and the short stanzas create a sense of musicality and rhythm that mimics the peaceful and pastoral subject matter of the poem. The poem flows seamlessly from one stanza to the next, creating a sense of continuity and unity. The simplicity of the form also serves to highlight the simplicity of the speaker's nostalgia, which is not complex or sophisticated but pure and unadulterated.

The Themes of the Poem

"Cows" explores several themes, the most prominent of which are nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The speaker is clearly nostalgic for his youth and the cows he used to know. He longs for the simplicity and innocence of those times, when everything was easier and more carefree. However, his nostalgia is tinged with sadness and loss, as he realizes that those times and those cows are gone forever. The poem, therefore, becomes a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of change. It also highlights the importance of cherishing the present moment and the things we hold dear, as they may not be around forever.

The Imagery of the Poem

The imagery in "Cows" is vivid and evocative, creating a pastoral and idyllic atmosphere. The cows are described as "lolling red tongues," "gentle-eyed," and "drowsy-lidded." The image of a cow's tongue is particularly effective, as it is both grotesque and endearing, highlighting the animal's innocence and simplicity. The cows are also associated with the fields and the natural world, with the speaker describing them as "meadow sweet" and "daisied." The imagery, therefore, serves to reinforce the themes of the poem, evoking a sense of nostalgia and loss for a simpler and more natural way of life.

The Tone of the Poem

The tone of "Cows" is wistful and melancholic, with a hint of regret. The speaker's nostalgia is tinged with sadness and longing, as he remembers the cows and the way of life that he has lost. However, there is also a sense of acceptance and resignation, as he acknowledges that those times are gone forever. The tone, therefore, creates a bittersweet atmosphere, with the speaker mourning the loss of the past but also cherishing the memories that he holds dear.

The Message of the Poem

At its core, "Cows" is a poem about the importance of cherishing the simple pleasures of life and the memories that they create. The speaker's nostalgia for his youth and the cows he used to know serves as a reminder to appreciate the present moment and the things we hold dear, as they may not be around forever. It also serves as a meditation on the passage of time and the inevitability of change, urging us to embrace the present and not dwell on the past.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Cows" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the themes of nostalgia, loss, and the passage of time. The simple form, vivid imagery, and wistful tone create a pastoral and idyllic atmosphere that evokes a sense of longing for a simpler and more natural way of life. The poem's message of cherishing the present moment and the memories that it creates serves as a reminder to appreciate the simple pleasures of life and not take them for granted. "Cows" is a classic poem that continues to resonate with readers today, serving as a testament to the enduring power of poetry to evoke emotions and capture the essence of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Cows by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of rural life and the beauty of nature. The poem is a celebration of the humble cow, which is often overlooked in the grand scheme of things. However, Service's poem reminds us of the importance of these gentle creatures and their contribution to our lives.

The poem begins with a description of the cows grazing in the fields. Service paints a vivid picture of the cows "browsing in buttercups" and "wading knee-deep in lush, cool grass." The imagery is so vivid that one can almost smell the sweet scent of the grass and feel the cool breeze blowing through the fields.

Service then goes on to describe the cows' physical appearance. He notes their "big brown eyes" and "velvet muzzles." He also describes their "swishing tails" and "placid ways." The cows are portrayed as gentle and peaceful creatures that are content with their simple existence.

The poem then takes a philosophical turn as Service reflects on the cows' role in the grand scheme of things. He notes that the cows are "the mothers of the world" and that they "give us milk and meat." He also notes that the cows are "the symbol of all that is good and kind." Service is reminding us that the cows are not just simple creatures, but they play an important role in our lives and in the world.

Service then goes on to describe the cows' relationship with nature. He notes that the cows "know the secrets of the earth" and that they "graze where the grass is sweetest." The cows are portrayed as being in harmony with nature, and they are able to find sustenance and contentment in the natural world.

The poem then takes a more personal turn as Service reflects on his own relationship with the cows. He notes that he has "stroked their flanks" and "whispered in their ears." He also notes that he has "watched them in the dawn" and "seen them in the sunset." Service is reminding us that the cows are not just abstract creatures, but they are real beings that we can connect with on a personal level.

Service then concludes the poem with a reflection on the cows' place in the world. He notes that the cows are "the gentlest of all beasts" and that they "make the world a better place." He also notes that the cows are "the symbol of all that is good and kind." Service is reminding us that the cows are not just simple creatures, but they are an important part of the world and they contribute to our lives in many ways.

In conclusion, Cows by Robert Service is a beautiful and poignant poem that celebrates the humble cow and its place in the world. The poem is a reminder that even the simplest creatures can have a profound impact on our lives and on the world around us. Service's vivid imagery and philosophical reflections make this poem a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

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