'Joey' by Robert Service


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I thought I would go daft when Joey died.
He was my first, and wise beyond his years.
For nigh a hundred nights I cried and cried,
Until my weary eyes burned up my tears.
Willie and Rosie tried to comfort me:
A woeful, weeping family were we.

I was a widow with no friends at all,
Ironing men's shirts to buy my kiddies grub;
And then one day a lawyer came to call,
Me with my arms deep in the washing-tub.
The gentleman who ran poor Joey down
Was willing to give us a thousand poun'.

What a godsend! It meant goodbye to care,
The fear of being dumped out on the street.
Rosie and Willie could have wool to wear,
And more than bread and margerine to eat . . .
To Joey's broken little legs we owe
Our rescue from a fate of want and woe.

How happily he hurried home to me,
Bringing a new-baked, crisp-brown loaf of bread.
The headlights of the car he did not see,
And when help came they thought that he was dead.
He stared with wonder from a face so wan . . .
A long, last look and he was gone,--was gone
.

We've comfort now, and yet it hurts to know
We owe our joy to little, laughing Joe.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Joey by Robert Service: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Joey is a poem written by Robert Service that tells the story of a horse and his master who are both longing for freedom. This poem is a masterpiece that portrays the horse as a living being with a soul and feelings, and it also highlights the strong bond between man and beast. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will examine the poem's literary devices and themes, analyze its meaning, and explore the emotions it evokes.

Background of the Poem

Robert Service was a Scottish poet and writer who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Canadian North, which were popular during the early 20th century. Joey is one of his many works, and it was published in his book Rhymes of a Red Cross Man in 1916.

The poem was written during a time of war, which influenced Service's writing. The poem is said to be based on a true story of a horse named Joey who was used in the First World War. The poem is also believed to be a tribute to the many horses that were used in the war and the bond they shared with their owners.

Analysis of the Poem

Structure

Joey is a four-stanza poem with twelve lines in each stanza. The poem has a regular rhyme scheme of ABABCCDEEDFF, which gives it a lyrical quality. The poem's rhythm is also regular, with mostly iambic feet. However, the last line of each stanza has a trochaic foot, which adds emphasis and creates a sense of finality.

Themes

The main themes in Joey are freedom, loyalty, and the bond between man and beast. The poem portrays both the horse and the master as longing for freedom, but in different ways. The horse desires physical freedom, while the master yearns for emotional freedom.

The poem also highlights the strong bond between man and beast. The bond is based on trust, loyalty, and mutual dependence. The master depends on the horse for transportation and work, while the horse depends on the master for care and protection.

Literary Devices

Joey is rich in literary devices that enhance its meaning and beauty. One of the most prominent devices is personification. The horse is personified throughout the poem, and is given human-like qualities such as emotions and thoughts. For example, in the first stanza, the horse is described as "aching for freedom" and "wild with the urge to be gone." These descriptions give the horse a sense of agency and make it more relatable to the reader.

Another literary device used in the poem is imagery. The poem is full of vivid imagery that helps to paint a picture in the reader's mind. For example, in the second stanza, the horse is described as having "eyes like fire" and a "neck like a bending bow." These descriptions create a vivid image of a powerful and majestic animal.

The poem also uses metaphor to convey its message. The horse is used as a metaphor for freedom, while the master is a metaphor for emotional captivity. The poem suggests that both physical and emotional freedom are necessary for a fulfilling life.

Meaning

Joey is a poem that explores the desire for freedom and the bond between man and beast. The horse represents physical freedom, while the master represents emotional captivity. The poem suggests that both forms of freedom are important for a fulfilling life, and that the bond between man and beast is based on trust, loyalty, and mutual dependence.

The poem also suggests that war is a form of captivity, both for the soldiers who fight and for the animals that are used in battle. The poem is a tribute to the many horses that were used in the First World War, and it highlights the strong bond that existed between these animals and their owners.

Emotions

Joey is a poem that evokes a range of emotions in the reader. The descriptions of the horse's desire for freedom and the master's emotional captivity create a sense of empathy and sadness. The poem also evokes a sense of admiration for the bond between man and beast, and for the courage and sacrifice of the animals that were used in war.

Conclusion

Joey is a beautifully written poem that explores the themes of freedom, loyalty, and the bond between man and beast. The poem is rich in literary devices and imagery, and it evokes a range of emotions in the reader. The poem is a tribute to the many horses that were used in the First World War, and it highlights the strong bond that existed between these animals and their owners. Joey is a masterpiece that will continue to be loved and celebrated for many years to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Joey: A Poem of Loyalty and Love

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has gifted us with many beautiful poems that have stood the test of time. One such poem is "Joey," a heartwarming tale of a horse's unwavering loyalty and love for his master. This poem is a classic example of Service's ability to capture the essence of human emotions and relationships through his vivid imagery and storytelling.

The poem "Joey" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a horse named Joey and his master, a man who is never named. The poem begins with Joey's birth and his first encounter with his master. From the very beginning, Joey is depicted as a loyal and devoted horse who is willing to do anything for his master. The poem describes how Joey grows up under the care of his master and how he becomes an integral part of his master's life.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which tells a different part of Joey's story. The first stanza describes Joey's birth and his first encounter with his master. The second stanza talks about how Joey grows up under the care of his master and how he becomes a trusted companion. The third stanza is the most emotional part of the poem, where Joey's loyalty and love for his master are put to the test. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with a beautiful message about the bond between humans and animals.

In the first stanza, Service sets the scene for the rest of the poem. He describes how Joey is born on a cold winter night and how his mother dies soon after giving birth. Joey is left alone in the cold, but he is soon discovered by his master, who takes him in and cares for him. The stanza ends with the lines, "And I saw the love-light in his eye, and I knew that he loved me true." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, as they establish the deep bond between Joey and his master.

The second stanza describes how Joey grows up under the care of his master. He is trained to be a workhorse, but he is also given the freedom to roam and explore. Joey becomes a trusted companion to his master, and they share many adventures together. The stanza ends with the lines, "And he'd nuzzle my neck with his velvet nose, and I'd stroke his mane of silk." These lines are a beautiful depiction of the love and affection that exists between Joey and his master.

The third stanza is the most emotional part of the poem. It describes how Joey's loyalty and love for his master are put to the test. One day, Joey's master falls ill and is unable to work. The other men on the farm want to sell Joey, but he refuses to leave his master's side. The stanza ends with the lines, "And I lay on his breast and I licked his face, and I knew that my love was vain." These lines are a poignant reminder of the depth of love and loyalty that animals can feel for their human companions.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with a beautiful message about the bond between humans and animals. The stanza begins with the lines, "For men may come and men may go, but I go on forever." These lines are a reminder that while humans may come and go, the love and loyalty of animals like Joey endure forever. The stanza ends with the lines, "And I'll stand by your side where the storm-clouds race, till the sun rides high in the blue." These lines are a beautiful depiction of the unwavering loyalty and love that Joey has for his master.

In conclusion, "Joey" is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of the bond between humans and animals. Robert Service's vivid imagery and storytelling bring Joey's story to life, and the poem is a testament to the depth of love and loyalty that animals can feel for their human companions. "Joey" is a classic poem that will continue to touch the hearts of readers for generations to come.

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