'Finality' by Robert Service


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When I am dead I will not care
How future generations fare,
For I will be so unaware.

Though fields their slain has carpeted,
And seas be salt with tears they shed,
Not one I'll waste, for I'll be dead.

Though atom bombs in ashes lay
Their skyey cities of to-day,
With carrion lips I cannot pray.

Though ruin reigns and madness raves,
And cowering men creep back in caves,
I cannot help to dig their graves.

Though fools for knowledge delve too deep,
And wake dark demons from their sleep,
I will not have the eyes to weep.

I will not care, I cannot care,
For I will be no longer there
To share their sorrow and despair.

And nevermore my heart will bleed
When on my brain the blind-worms feed,
For I'll be dead, dead, DEAD indeed.

And when I rot and cease to be,
It matters not a jot to me
What may be man's dark destiny.

Ah! there you have the hell of it,
As in the face of Fate I spit
I know she doesn't mind a bit.

A thousand millions clot this earth,
And billions more await their birth -
For what? . . . Ye gods, enjoy your mirth!

Editor 1 Interpretation

Finality by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Poetic Exploration

As I sit down to write about Robert Service's poem Finality, I feel an almost overwhelming sense of excitement and anticipation. This is a poem that speaks to me on a deep, personal level, and I am eager to explore its many layers of meaning and interpretation.

At its core, Finality is a meditation on death and the inevitability of our own mortality. It is a somber, haunting piece of poetry that confronts us with the stark reality of our own impermanence, and yet, it is also a poem that offers a sense of solace and comfort in the face of this ultimate truth.

The poem opens with a powerful image of a "giant oak" that has fallen in the forest. This is an image that immediately evokes a sense of loss and sadness, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem. We are reminded that even the mightiest and most enduring symbols of life are ultimately subject to the ravages of time and decay.

From there, the poem moves into a more introspective mode, as the speaker begins to contemplate his own mortality. He speaks of the "finality" of death, and the sense of closure it brings to our lives. This is a theme that is explored throughout the poem, as the speaker grapples with the idea of what it means to face the end of one's own life.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem, to me, is the way in which Service uses language to create a sense of movement and momentum. The poem is full of powerful, evocative verbs that convey a sense of action and urgency. Phrases like "the axe-blade bites" and "the saw's teeth gnaw" create a vivid sense of motion, as though the poem itself is a living thing that is pushing forward towards some ultimate conclusion.

At the same time, however, the poem is also full of moments of stillness and contemplation. There are passages where the language becomes almost meditative, as the speaker reflects on the nature of death and what it means to confront the end of one's own life. These moments of stillness serve to balance out the more frenetic, kinetic aspects of the poem, and give it a sense of depth and complexity that is truly remarkable.

As I read through Finality again and again, I am struck by the many layers of interpretation and meaning that are woven throughout the poem. On one level, it is a simple meditation on death and the impermanence of life. On another level, however, it is a powerful commentary on the human condition, and the ways in which we struggle to come to terms with the reality of our own mortality.

Ultimately, I believe that Finality is a masterpiece of poetic exploration. It is a poem that speaks to the very heart of what it means to be human, and offers us a glimpse into the profound mysteries of life and death. Whether you are a lover of poetry, or simply someone who is looking for a deeper understanding of the human experience, I cannot recommend this poem highly enough.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Finality: A Poem of Life and Death

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left us with a legacy of beautiful and thought-provoking poems. Among them, Finality stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death. In this poem, Service explores the inevitability of death and the finality of our existence. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, he paints a picture of the human condition that is both haunting and beautiful.

The poem begins with a stark statement: "Death is a finality." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Service delves into the nature of death and its impact on our lives. He describes death as a "grim and ghastly thing," a force that cannot be avoided or denied. This theme of inevitability runs throughout the poem, as Service reminds us that death is the one certainty in life.

Service uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. He describes death as a "black abyss," a void that swallows everything in its path. This image is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, as it captures the enormity of death and its impact on our lives. Service also uses metaphors to explore the nature of death. He compares it to a "silent sea," a vast and mysterious force that we cannot fully understand. This metaphor highlights the mystery and uncertainty that surrounds death, and the fear that it can inspire in us.

Despite the bleakness of the subject matter, Service's poem is not without hope. He reminds us that death is a natural part of life, and that it can be a release from suffering and pain. He describes death as a "blessed sleep," a peaceful end to our struggles. This image is both comforting and reassuring, as it suggests that death can be a gentle and peaceful transition.

Service also explores the impact of death on those left behind. He describes the grief and pain that death can cause, and the sense of loss that it creates. He compares the experience of losing a loved one to a "wound that never heals," a powerful metaphor that captures the depth of our emotions. This theme of loss and grief is a universal one, and Service's poem speaks to the human experience of dealing with death and its aftermath.

In conclusion, Finality is a powerful and moving poem that explores the nature of life and death. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Robert Service captures the enormity of death and its impact on our lives. He reminds us that death is a natural part of life, and that it can be a release from suffering and pain. At the same time, he acknowledges the grief and loss that death can cause, and the sense of finality that it creates. This poem is a testament to the human experience, and a reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.

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