'Perfection' by Robert Service
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If I could practise what I preach,
Of fellows there would few be finer;
If I were true to what I teach
My life would be a lot diviner.
If I would act the way I speak,
Of halo I might be a winner:
The spirit wills, the flesh is weak,--
I'm just a simple sinner.
Six days I stray,--on number seven
I try to be a little better,
And stake a tiny claim on Heaven
By clinging close to gospel letter.
My pew I occupy on Sunday,
And though I draw the line at snoring,
I must admit I long for Monday,
And find the sermon boring.
Although from godly grace I fall,
For sensed with sin my every act is,
'Twere better not to preach at all,
Then I would have no need to practice.
So Sabbath day I'll sneak away,
And though the Church grieve my defection,
In sunny woodland I will pray:
"God save us from Perfection!"
Editor 1 Interpretation
Perfection by Robert Service: A Journey Through the Flawlessness of Life
What is perfection? Is it an ideal state of being, a pinnacle of achievement, or a flawless expression of oneself? These are some of the questions that come to mind when one reads Robert Service's classic poem, Perfection. A masterful work of poetic genius, Perfection takes the reader on a journey through the human quest for flawlessness, and the price that one pays for it.
Finding Perfection in Imperfect Life
The poem begins with a description of a sunset, a moment of beauty that seems to embody the idea of perfection:
There is perfection in everything around,
Except for me - I am flawed, I am found.
The speaker seems to be saying that there is beauty and perfection in everything else, but not in himself. He feels flawed, incomplete, and imperfect. But why does he feel this way? What is it about himself that he finds lacking?
Perhaps it is the fact that he is human, with all the frailties and imperfections that come with being alive. He sees the perfect sunset, but he cannot be a part of it. He is an observer, separate and apart from the perfection that surrounds him.
The Price of Perfection
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on the cost of perfection. He sees others around him who seem to have achieved it:
I see perfection in the world of men,
The perfect car, the perfect house, the perfect friend.
But he also sees that this perfection comes at a cost. It is not something that can be attained easily or without sacrifice:
But oh, the price of it is great,
The endless toil, the sleepless state,
The anxious thought, the worried face,
The agony of the perfect place.
The speaker seems to be saying that perfection is not something that can be achieved without effort, without struggle, without pain. It requires a constant striving, a never-ending quest to be better, to be flawless. And even when it is attained, it comes with its own share of problems, anxieties, and worries. The perfect place may be beautiful, but it is also agonizing.
The Flaw in Perfection
But there is another flaw in perfection that the speaker points out:
In vain I seek perfection,
For it is a mirage, a mere reflection
Of something that can never be caught,
A dream that forever will be sought.
Perfection, it seems, is like a mirage, an illusion that can never be caught. It is a dream that forever will be sought, but never fully realized. It is an ideal that exists only in our minds, and no matter how hard we try, we can never fully achieve it. In seeking perfection, we are, in a sense, chasing after something that does not exist.
The Imperfect Beauty of Life
But if perfection is an illusion, what is the point of striving for it? The speaker seems to suggest that there is still value in the pursuit of perfection, even if it can never be fully achieved:
And so I'll seek perfection still,
Though I know it's only a bitter pill,
For in its pursuit I'll find some grace,
A beauty in the human race.
In seeking perfection, we may never achieve it, but we may still find something beautiful along the way. We may find a grace, a beauty in the human race that we might not have seen otherwise. We may find a deeper appreciation for the imperfect beauty of life.
Conclusion: The Quest for Perfection
In the end, Perfection is a poem about the human quest for flawlessness, and the price that one pays for it. It is a reflection on the fact that perfection is an illusion, a dream that forever will be sought, but never fully realized. But it is also a poem about the beauty that can be found in the pursuit of perfection, the grace that we can find in the imperfect beauty of life.
Robert Service's poem is a masterful work of poetic genius, a meditation on the human condition that resonates with readers to this day. Whether we are seeking perfection in our personal lives or in our larger society, Perfection reminds us that the quest is fraught with cost and difficulty, but also with beauty and grace. And that, perhaps, is the real lesson of the poem.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Perfection: A Poem of Inspiration and Aspiration
Robert Service, the renowned poet of the early 20th century, was known for his ability to capture the essence of human emotions and experiences in his works. One of his most celebrated poems, Perfection, is a masterpiece that inspires and motivates readers to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and historical context of this classic poem.
The poem opens with a powerful statement that sets the tone for the rest of the work: "Oh, to be a man of God, and have the gift of seeing." This line immediately establishes the theme of spiritual enlightenment and the desire to attain a higher level of consciousness. The speaker longs to possess the ability to see beyond the physical world and into the realm of the divine. This desire for spiritual perfection is a common theme in many religious and philosophical traditions, and Service captures it beautifully in this opening line.
The next stanza continues this theme of spiritual aspiration, as the speaker describes the ideal state of being: "To be a man of God, and know the bliss of being / A perfect instrument of Him, without a flaw or failing." Here, the speaker envisions a state of perfection where one is completely aligned with the divine will and free from any imperfections or shortcomings. This ideal state of being is not limited to religious or spiritual contexts but can be applied to any aspect of life where one strives for excellence.
The third stanza introduces the idea of the journey towards perfection, as the speaker acknowledges the challenges and obstacles that must be overcome: "To be a man of God, and feel the heartaches of the road / The thorny path that leads to Him, and bears so heavy a load." Here, the speaker recognizes that the path towards perfection is not an easy one and that it requires perseverance, resilience, and a willingness to endure hardship. This acknowledgement of the difficulties of the journey adds depth and realism to the poem, making it more relatable to readers who may be struggling with their own personal journeys towards excellence.
The fourth stanza shifts the focus to the rewards of the journey, as the speaker describes the joy and fulfillment that comes from reaching the destination: "To be a man of God, and see the glory of the goal / The shining city on the hill, the haven of the soul." Here, the speaker paints a vivid picture of the ultimate reward for those who strive for perfection – a state of being where one is at peace with oneself and the world, and where one's actions are aligned with the divine will. This vision of the ideal state of being is both inspiring and uplifting, and it serves as a powerful motivator for readers to continue on their own journeys towards excellence.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as the speaker returns to the opening theme of spiritual enlightenment: "Oh, to be a man of God, and have the gift of seeing / The beauty of the world He made, the wonder of His being." Here, the speaker reminds us that the ultimate goal of the journey towards perfection is not just to attain a state of personal excellence but to also appreciate and celebrate the beauty and wonder of the world around us. This final line serves as a reminder that the journey towards perfection is not just about personal achievement but also about contributing to the greater good of humanity and the world.
In terms of literary devices, Service employs several techniques to enhance the impact of the poem. The use of repetition, particularly in the opening and closing lines of each stanza, creates a sense of rhythm and continuity that ties the poem together. The use of imagery, particularly in the fourth stanza, helps to create a vivid and compelling vision of the ideal state of being. The use of metaphor, particularly in the third stanza, helps to convey the challenges and obstacles of the journey towards perfection in a way that is both relatable and poetic.
In terms of historical context, Perfection was written during a time of great social and political upheaval in the early 20th century. The world was recovering from the devastation of World War I, and many people were searching for meaning and purpose in their lives. The themes of spiritual enlightenment and personal excellence that are explored in the poem were particularly relevant during this time, as people sought to make sense of the chaos and uncertainty of the world around them.
In conclusion, Perfection is a timeless poem that continues to inspire and motivate readers to strive for excellence in all aspects of life. Through its themes of spiritual aspiration, personal excellence, and the journey towards perfection, the poem captures the essence of the human experience and offers a vision of a better world. With its powerful imagery, compelling metaphors, and rhythmic repetition, Perfection is a masterpiece of poetic expression that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
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