'Mc'Clusky's Nell' by Robert Service
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In Mike Maloney's Nugget bar the hooch was flowin' free,
An' One-eyed Mike was shakin' dice wi' Montreal Maree,
An roarin' rageful warning when the boys got overwild,
When peekin' through the double door he spied a tiny child.
Then Mike Maloney muttered: "Hell! Now ain't that jest too bad;
It's Dud McClusky's orphen Nell a-lookin' for her dad.
An' him in back, a-lushin' wine wi' Violet de Vere-
Three times I've told the lousy swine to keep away from here."
"Pore leetle sing! He leaves her lone, so he go on ze spree:
I feex her yet, zat Violet," said Montreal Maree.
Now I'm accommodatin' when it comes to scented sin
But when I saw that innocent step in our drunken din,
I felt that I would like to crawl an' hide my head in shame.
An' judgin' by their features all them sourdoughs felt the same.
For there they stood like chunks o' wood, forgettin' how to swear,
An' every glass o' likker was suspended in the air.
For with her hair of sunny silk, and big, blue pansy eyes
She looked jest like an angel child stepped outa paradise.
So then Big Mike, paternal like, took her upon his knee.
"Ze pauv' petite! She ees so sweet," said Montreal Maree.
The kid was mighty scared, we saw, an' peaked an' pale an' sad;
She nestled up to One-eyed Mike jest like he was her dad.
Then he got strokin' of her hair an' she began to sob,
An' there was anger in the air of all that plastered mob,
When in a hush so stark an' strained it seemed to stab the ear,
We heard the lush, plunk-parlour laugh o' Violet de Vere.
Then Montreal Maree arose an' vanished from our sight,
An' soon we heard the sound o' blows suggestin' female fight.
An' when she joined the gang again dishevelly was she:
"Jeezecrize! I fix zat Violet," said Montreal Maree.
Then Barman Bill cam forward with what seemed a glass o' milk:
"It's jest an egg-nog Missy, but it's slick an' smooth as silk."
An' as the kiddy slowly sipped wi' gaze o' glad surprise,
Them fifty sozzled sourdoughs uttered fifty happy sighs.
Then Ragtime Joe swung on his stool an' soft began to play
A liltin' tune that made ye think o' daffydills in May;
An' Gumboot Jones in solemn tones said: "You should hear her sing;
They've got the cabin next to mine, an like a bird in Spring,
She fills that tumble-down old shack wi' simple melodee."
"Maybe she sing a song for us," said Montreal Maree.
Now I don't hold wi' mushy stuff, tear-jerkin' ain't my line,
Yet somehow that kid's singin' sent the shivers down my spine;
An' all them salted sourdoughs sighed, an' every eye was dim
For what she sang upon the bar was just a simple hymn;
Somethin' about "Abide with me, fast falls the eventide,"
My Mother used to sing it - say, I listened bleary-eyed.
That childish treble was so sweet, so clear, so tender true,
It seemed to grip you by the heart an' did queer things to you.
It made me think o' childhood days from sin an' sorrow free:
"Zat child, she make me want to cry," said Montreal Maree.
Then up spoke One-eyed Mike: "What can't with us let her abide;
For her dear Mother's sake we gotta send that kid outside.
Ye know this camp's a den o' sin, ye know that Dud's no dice -
Let's stake her to a convent school, an' have her brought up nice."
An' so them bearded sourdoughs crowded round an' on an' all,
Dug down an' flung upon the bar their nuggets great and small.
"I guess we got a thousand bucks," exulted One-eyed Mike;
"You bastards are a credit to the camp of Lucky Strike."
"You see zis leetle silver cross my mozzaire give to me -
Look, boys, I hang it on zee gosse," said Montreal Maree.
Time marches on; that little Nell is now a famous star,
An' yet she got her singin' start on Mike Maloney's bar.
Aye it was back in ninety-eight she made her first dayboo,
An' of that audience to-day are left but only two.
For all them bibulous sourdoughs have bravely passed away.
An' Lucky Strike is jest another ghost town to-day.
But Nell now sings in opera, we saw her in Boheem;
'Twas at a high-toned matinay, an' say! she was a dream.
So also thought the white-haired dame a-sittin' down by me -
My lovin' spouse that once was known as Montreal Maree.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Robert Service's "McClusky's Nell": A Masterpiece in Narrative Poetry
If you're a fan of narrative poetry, then you've probably come across Robert Service's name at some point. The Scottish-Canadian poet is known for his ability to tell stories through verse, and one of his most famous works is "McClusky's Nell". This poem, which tells the story of a man and his horse, is a masterpiece of the genre.
The Plot: A Tale of Love and Loss
"McClusky's Nell" is a narrative poem, which means that it tells a story. In this case, the story is about a horse and her owner, McClusky. The poem begins with a description of Nell, McClusky's horse, and her beauty and strength:
"There's a woman sobs her heart out,
With her babe upon her knee,
And a drunken man beside her
He too drunk to see.
There's a starvin' baby crying,
But the drunken brute is dumb…
An' a grimy hand that's clenching
An' a pistol butt that's white…
There's a horse outside the shanty
An' it's pawin' in the snow—
It's the old grey mare of McClusky
That was sold for booze, you know."
The poem then goes on to tell the story of how McClusky came to own Nell, and how the two of them became inseparable. They worked together on a farm, and Nell proved herself to be strong and reliable.
One day, McClusky fell in love with a woman named Mary, and he decided to leave the farm and start a new life with her. He sold everything he had, including Nell, to pay for their journey west.
The poem then takes a tragic turn. On the journey west, Mary fell ill and died, leaving McClusky alone and heartbroken. He tried to start a new life in the west, but he was never the same without Nell.
Eventually, he returned to the farm where he had lived with Nell, and he found her still alive, but worn down by years of hard work. In the final stanza of the poem, McClusky speaks to Nell and tells her how much he loves her:
"You're old, and stiff, and ugly,
And your sight is gettin' dim;
But you're all that's left to McClusky,
An' I'm all that's left to him.
An' I'm lonely, old and lonely,
For my Mary's gone, you see;
An' I'm thinkin', old grey darlin',
That you're all that's left to me."
Analysis: A Masterpiece of Narrative Poetry
"McClusky's Nell" is a masterpiece of narrative poetry for several reasons. First and foremost, it tells a compelling story. From the opening stanza, the reader is drawn into the world of the poem, and the story of McClusky and Nell is both tragic and uplifting.
Secondly, the poem is beautifully written. Service's use of language is masterful, and he creates vivid images and emotions through his words. For example, in the opening stanza, he describes the scene outside the shanty with a few simple words, but the image is incredibly powerful.
The poem is also notable for its use of repetition. The line "An' I'm all that's left to him" appears three times in the poem, each time emphasizing the loneliness and desperation that McClusky feels. The repetition of this line helps to make the poem more powerful and memorable.
Finally, "McClusky's Nell" is a masterful example of how narrative poetry can be used to explore complex themes and emotions. The poem is not just a story about a man and his horse; it is a meditation on love, loss, and the passage of time. As McClusky speaks to Nell at the end of the poem, he is not just talking to a horse; he is talking to his own memories and regrets.
Interpretation: A Poem about Love and Regret
At its core, "McClusky's Nell" is a poem about love and regret. McClusky's love for Nell is palpable throughout the poem, and his regret at having sold her is equally strong. When he speaks to her at the end of the poem, he is not just expressing his affection for her; he is also expressing his regret at having lost his wife, Mary.
The poem is also a meditation on the passage of time. McClusky and Nell have both aged since they last saw each other, and their lives have taken very different paths. The poem suggests that time is both cruel and inevitable, and that we must all face the consequences of our choices eventually.
Finally, "McClusky's Nell" can be seen as a commentary on the human condition. McClusky is a flawed character, and his mistakes have cost him dearly. Yet, despite his flaws, he is still capable of love and affection. The poem suggests that even in our darkest moments, we can find connection and meaning through our relationships with others.
Conclusion: A Must-Read for Fans of Narrative Poetry
"McClusky's Nell" is a masterful example of narrative poetry, and a must-read for anyone who loves the genre. The poem tells a compelling story, uses beautiful language, and explores complex themes and emotions. It is a true masterpiece of the form, and a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Mc'Clusky's Nell: A Tale of Love and Loss
Robert Service's poem Mc'Clusky's Nell is a classic tale of love and loss that has captured the hearts of readers for generations. Set in the rugged wilderness of the Yukon, the poem tells the story of a young woman named Nell who falls in love with a miner named Mc'Clusky. Their love is passionate and intense, but ultimately tragic, as Nell dies in a tragic accident while Mc'Clusky is away on a mining expedition. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and symbolism of the poem, as well as the historical context in which it was written.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the Yukon landscape, with its "rugged hills" and "frozen streams." This setting serves as a backdrop for the story of Nell and Mc'Clusky, highlighting the harsh and unforgiving nature of the environment in which they live. The poem also uses imagery to convey the sense of isolation and loneliness that Nell experiences, as she is "far from the world's highway" and "lost in the wilds."
Nell is portrayed as a strong and independent woman, who is not afraid to take risks and pursue her own desires. She is described as having "eyes like the dawn" and a "voice like a thrush," suggesting that she is both beautiful and talented. However, her strength and independence are also her downfall, as she is unable to resist the lure of adventure and danger. She falls in love with Mc'Clusky, a miner who is "rough as a grizzly" and "wild as a hawk." Their love is passionate and intense, but also dangerous, as they both risk their lives in pursuit of gold and adventure.
The poem also explores the theme of mortality, as Nell's death is foreshadowed throughout the narrative. She is described as being "reckless" and "wild," suggesting that she is living life to the fullest, but also taking unnecessary risks. Mc'Clusky is aware of the danger that Nell faces, and tries to warn her of the risks she is taking. However, Nell is determined to live life on her own terms, and refuses to be held back by fear or caution.
The symbolism in the poem is also significant, with the gold that Nell and Mc'Clusky seek representing both wealth and danger. Gold is a precious commodity that can bring great wealth and prosperity, but it is also a dangerous and unpredictable substance that can lead to tragedy and loss. The gold that Nell and Mc'Clusky seek is both a symbol of their love and their downfall, as it ultimately leads to Nell's death.
The historical context in which the poem was written is also important, as it reflects the attitudes and values of the time. The poem was written in the early 20th century, during the height of the gold rush in the Yukon. This was a time of great excitement and adventure, as thousands of people flocked to the region in search of gold and fortune. However, it was also a time of great danger and hardship, as many miners lost their lives in the harsh and unforgiving environment.
In conclusion, Mc'Clusky's Nell is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and mortality in the context of the Yukon gold rush. The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism to convey the harsh and unforgiving nature of the environment, as well as the passion and intensity of Nell and Mc'Clusky's love. The poem also reflects the attitudes and values of the time, highlighting the excitement and danger of the gold rush era. Overall, Mc'Clusky's Nell is a timeless tale that continues to captivate readers with its powerful storytelling and evocative imagery.
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