'Sensibility' by Robert Service


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I

Once, when a boy, I killed a cat.
I guess it's just because of that
A cat evokes my tenderness,
And takes so kindly my caress.
For with a rich, resonant purr
It sleeks an arch or ardent fur
So vibrantly against my shin;
And as I tickle tilted chin
And rub the roots of velvet ears
Its tail in undulation rears.
Then tremoring with all its might,
In blissful sensuous delight,
It looks aloft with lambent eyes,
Mystic, Egyptianly wise,
And O so eloquently tries
In every fibre to express
Consummate trust and friendliness.

II

I think the longer that we live
The more do we grow sensitive
Of hurt and harm to man and beast,
And learn to suffer at the least
Surmise of other's suffering;
Till pity, lie an eager spring
Wells up, and we are over-fain
To vibrate to the chords of pain.

For look you - after three-score yeas
I see with anguish nigh to tears
That starveling cat so sudden still
I set my terrier to to kill.
Great, golden memories pale away,
But that unto my dying day
Will haunt and haunt me horribly.
Why, even my poor dog felt shame
And shrank away as if to blame
of that poor mangled mother-cat
Would ever lie at his doormat.

III

What's done is done. No power can bring
To living joy a slaughtered thing.
Aye, if of life I gave my own
I could not for my guilt atone.
And though in stress of sea and land
Sweet breath has ended at my hand,
That boyhood killing in my eyes
A thousand must epitomize.
Yet to my twilight steals a thought:
Somehow forgiveness may be bought;
Somewhere I'll live my life again
So finely sensitized to pain,
With heart so rhymed to truth and right
That Truth will be a blaze of light;
All all the evil I have wrought
Will haggardly to home be brought. . . .
Then will I know my hell indeed,
And bleed where I made others bleed,
Till purged by penitence of sin
To Peace (or Heaven) I may win.

Well, anyway, you know the why
We are so pally, cats and I;
So if you have the gift of shame,
O Fellow-sinner, be the same.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Sensibility by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Emotion and Sensitivity

As a literary work that has stood the test of time, Sensibility by Robert Service is one of those poems that have a unique ability to touch the hearts of readers.

Just like the title suggests, the poem is all about sensitivity, the ability of the human mind and soul to feel and experience emotions. As you read the poem, you will find that the author has taken a rather unique approach to the subject of sensitivity, exploring its different facets, and presenting it in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.

The Structure of the Poem

One of the key features of Sensibility is its structure. The poem is made up of six stanzas, each with four lines. This structure gives the poem a sense of order and balance, which is in sharp contrast to the raw emotions that are being expressed.

The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The author uses a metaphor to describe sensitivity, likening it to a "quivering wing." This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is all about exploring the different ways in which sensitivity can manifest.

The Different Aspects of Sensitivity

As you read the poem, you will find that the author explores different aspects of sensitivity. For instance, in the second stanza, he talks about how sensitivity can be a source of pain, describing it as a "poignant dart."

In the third stanza, the author explores how sensitivity can be a source of joy, describing it as a "magic wand" that can transform even the most mundane of experiences.

In the fourth stanza, the author talks about how sensitivity can be a source of creativity, describing it as a "fertile source" of inspiration.

In the fifth stanza, the author explores how sensitivity can lead to empathy, describing it as a "bridge" that connects people on a deeper level.

Finally, in the sixth stanza, the author talks about how sensitivity can be a source of spiritual growth, describing it as a "ladder" that leads to a higher plane of existence.

The Power of Emotion

One of the things that makes Sensibility such a powerful poem is the way in which the author captures the power of emotion. As you read the poem, you will find that the author takes you on a journey through a wide range of emotions, from pain to joy to empathy.

The author does not shy away from the darker aspects of emotion, describing sensitivity as a "poignant dart" that can cause pain. However, he also shows how sensitivity can be a source of joy and creativity, and how it can connect people on a deeper level.

The Beauty of the Language

Another aspect of Sensibility that makes it such a beautiful poem is the language that the author uses. Robert Service was known for his ability to use language in a way that was both simple and powerful, and this is evident in Sensibility.

The author uses metaphors and similes to describe sensitivity, painting a vivid picture in the reader's mind. For instance, he describes sensitivity as a "quivering wing," a "poignant dart," and a "ladder" that leads to a higher plane of existence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Sensibility by Robert Service is a masterpiece of emotion and sensitivity. Through its beautiful language and powerful imagery, the poem explores the different facets of sensitivity, from pain to joy to empathy.

The poem reminds us of the power of emotion, and how it can connect us on a deeper level. It is a work of art that has stood the test of time, and continues to inspire readers to this day.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Sensibility: A Poem of Emotion and Empathy

Robert Service, the renowned poet of the early 20th century, is known for his vivid and evocative descriptions of the human experience. His poem "Sensibility" is a prime example of his ability to capture the essence of emotion and empathy in a few short stanzas. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and literary devices used in "Sensibility" and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

The poem begins with the speaker describing a woman who is "sensitive to every sound and sight." This woman is portrayed as being deeply attuned to the world around her, feeling every emotion and experiencing every sensation with intensity. The speaker goes on to describe how this woman is often misunderstood and dismissed by others who do not share her level of sensitivity. This sets up the central theme of the poem: the value of empathy and emotional intelligence.

Throughout the poem, the speaker contrasts the woman's sensitivity with the callousness and indifference of those around her. He describes how she weeps at the sight of a bird with a broken wing, while others simply walk by without a second glance. He also notes how she is moved to tears by a simple act of kindness, while others remain unmoved. These descriptions serve to highlight the woman's empathy and emotional intelligence, while also emphasizing the lack of these qualities in others.

The poem also employs a number of literary devices to convey its message. One of the most prominent is imagery. Service uses vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of emotional depth and intensity. For example, he describes the woman's tears as "pearls of pity" and the bird's broken wing as a "crimson stain." These images serve to heighten the emotional impact of the poem and make the reader feel more deeply connected to the woman's experiences.

Another important literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "she feels" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the woman's emotional sensitivity and reinforcing the central theme of empathy. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, propelling the poem forward and drawing the reader in.

The poem's structure is also worth noting. It is composed of four stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, while also allowing for a clear and concise expression of the poem's central message. The use of rhyme and meter also contributes to the poem's overall structure, creating a sense of musicality and flow.

In terms of tone, the poem is both melancholic and hopeful. The speaker acknowledges the woman's struggles and the challenges she faces as a result of her sensitivity, but also celebrates her empathy and emotional intelligence. The final stanza, in particular, is a testament to the power of empathy and the importance of emotional connection. The speaker notes that the woman's tears are not a sign of weakness, but rather a symbol of her deep understanding and compassion for the world around her.

In conclusion, "Sensibility" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of empathy and emotional intelligence. Through vivid imagery, repetition, and a carefully crafted structure, Robert Service creates a sense of emotional depth and intensity that draws the reader in and leaves a lasting impression. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy and the value of emotional connection in a world that often values callousness and indifference.

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