'An Olive Fire' by Robert Service
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An olive fire's a lovely thing;
Somehow it makes me think of Spring
As in my grate it over-spills
With dancing flames like daffodils.
They flirt and frolic, twist and twine,
The brassy fire-irons wink and shine. . . .
Leap gold, you flamelets! Laugh and sing:
An olive fire's a lovely thing.
An olive fire's a household shrine:
A crusty loaf, a jug of wine,
An apple and a chunk of cheese -
Oh I could be content with these.
But if my curse of oil is there,
To fry a fresh-caught fish, I swear
I do not envy any king,
As sitting by my hearth I sing:
An olive fire's a lovely thing.
When old and worn, of life I tire,
I'll sit before an olive fire,
And watch the feather ash like snow
As softly as a rose heart glow;
The tawny roots will loose their hoard
Of sunbeams centuries have stored,
And flames like yellow chicken's cheep,
Till in my heart Peace is so deep:
With hands prayer-clasped I sleep . . . and sleep.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Olive Fire - A Masterpiece of Robert Service
An Olive Fire is a poem written by Robert Service that captures the essence of nature's beauty and the way it inspires people. This classic poem takes the reader on a journey through a forest and its natural elements, evoking strong emotions and vivid imagery in its readers.
The poem is structured in three distinct stanzas, each of which is devoted to a different aspect of the natural world. The first stanza focuses on the forest's trees, the second on the fire that burns within them, and the third on the emotions that are evoked by the overall experience. Through this structure, Service creates a rhythm that is both calming and invigorating.
One of the most striking features of the poem is the use of imagery. Service masterfully uses vivid descriptions to create a sense of the beauty and power of nature. For example, in the second stanza, he describes the fire as "a giant rose / with petals red and gold". This image is not only beautiful but also creates a sense of awe and wonder at the natural world.
Another aspect of the poem that stands out is the use of personification. The trees are described as "proud" and "majestic", and the fire is described as having a "heart". This personification adds a layer of depth and complexity to the poem, as it suggests that the natural world has a life and spirit of its own.
The language used in the poem is also notable. Service uses simple, straightforward language that is easy to understand, yet he combines it with powerful metaphors and imagery that evoke strong emotions. For example, in the third stanza, he describes the feeling of being in the forest as "a joy that's almost pain". This paradoxical statement captures the conflicting emotions that can be evoked by nature's beauty.
The poem's theme is the power of nature to inspire and evoke strong emotions in people. Service suggests that nature has a transformative effect on people, allowing them to experience a sense of wonder and awe that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming. Through his use of imagery, personification, and language, Service creates a poem that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
In conclusion, An Olive Fire is a masterpiece of Robert Service. It captures the essence of nature's beauty and power, evoking strong emotions and vivid imagery in its readers. The poem is a testament to the transformative effect of nature on people and the way it can inspire creativity and wonder. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world for future generations.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
An Olive Fire: A Poem That Burns Bright
Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative poems. One such poem that stands out is "An Olive Fire," a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death, love and loss, and the eternal cycle of nature. In this article, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, symbolism, and structure, and explore why it continues to resonate with readers even after a century since its publication.
The poem begins with a striking image of an olive fire, a fire that burns with a greenish hue, unlike the usual orange and yellow flames. The speaker marvels at the beauty of the fire and wonders if it is a sign of something ominous or divine. The olive fire, as we will see, is a symbol of life, death, and rebirth, and sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The second stanza introduces us to the speaker's beloved, a woman who is described as "fair and frail and dear." The speaker is deeply in love with her and fears losing her to death. He wonders if the olive fire is a premonition of her impending death, and prays to the gods to spare her life. The theme of love and mortality is a recurring one in Service's poetry, and here, he captures the fragility of life and the fear of losing a loved one.
In the third stanza, the speaker reflects on the transience of life and how everything must come to an end. He compares life to a "fading ember," and wonders if death is the end of everything or a new beginning. The olive fire, with its greenish hue, represents the hope of rebirth and renewal, even in the face of death. The speaker's musings on life and death are philosophical and introspective, and invite the reader to contemplate their own mortality.
The fourth stanza introduces a new character, a "savage" who comes to the speaker's door seeking shelter from the cold. The speaker welcomes him in and offers him food and drink, despite his fears that the savage might harm him. The savage, in turn, shares his own wisdom with the speaker, telling him that life is a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth, and that everything is connected. The savage's words echo the olive fire's symbolism of renewal and rebirth, and suggest that death is not the end but a part of the eternal cycle of nature.
The fifth stanza brings the poem to a climax, as the speaker's beloved falls ill and dies. The speaker is devastated by her death and wonders if the olive fire was indeed a sign of her impending death. He mourns her passing and wishes that he could join her in death. The olive fire, which had represented hope and renewal, now seems to mock him with its greenish flames.
The final stanza offers a resolution to the poem's themes of love, death, and rebirth. The speaker realizes that his beloved's death is not the end but a new beginning. He sees her spirit in the olive fire, which now burns with a brighter flame. He understands that death is not something to be feared but a part of the natural cycle of life. The olive fire, which had been a symbol of death and rebirth, now represents the eternal flame of love that burns bright even after death.
In terms of structure, the poem is written in six stanzas of four lines each, with a consistent rhyme scheme of ABAB. The use of rhyme and meter gives the poem a musical quality, and the repetition of the olive fire motif throughout the poem creates a sense of unity and coherence. The poem's imagery is vivid and evocative, and the use of symbolism adds depth and complexity to the themes of the poem.
In conclusion, "An Olive Fire" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of love, death, and rebirth. Through the use of vivid imagery and symbolism, Robert Service captures the fragility of life and the eternal cycle of nature. The poem's structure and musical quality add to its impact, and the poem continues to resonate with readers even after a century since its publication. "An Olive Fire" is a poem that burns bright, and its flame will continue to inspire and illuminate for generations to come.
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