'The Scribe's Prayer' by Robert Service


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When from my fumbling hand the tired pen falls,
And in the twilight weary droops my head;
While to my quiet heart a still voice calls,
Calls me to join my kindred of the Dead:
Grant that I may, O Lord, ere rest be mine,
Write to Thy praise one radiant, ringing line.

For all of worth that in this clay abides,
The leaping rapture and the ardent flame,
The hope, the high resolve, the faith that guides:
All, all is Thine, and liveth in Thy name:
Lord, have I dallied with the sacred fire!
Lord, have I trailed Thy glory in the mire!

E'en as a toper from the dram-shop reeling,
Sees in his garret's blackness, dazzling fair,
All that he might have been, and, heart-sick, kneeling,
Sobs in the passion of a vast despair:
So my ideal self haunts me alway --
When the accounting comes, how shall I pay?

For in the dark I grope, nor understand;
And in my heart fight selfishness and sin:
Yet, Lord, I do not seek Thy helping hand;
Rather let me my own salvation win:
Let me through strife and penitential pain
Onward and upward to the heights attain.

Yea, let me live my life, its meaning seek;
Bear myself fitly in the ringing fight;
Strive to be strong that I may aid the weak;
Dare to be true -- O God! the Light, the Light!
Cometh the Dark so soon. I've mocked Thy Word;
Yet do I know Thy Love: have mercy, Lord. . . .

FINIS

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Scribe's Prayer by Robert Service: A Literary Critique and Interpretation

Have you ever read a poem that speaks to your soul? A poem that transports you to another world and makes you feel like you're right there, experiencing everything the poet describes? The Scribe's Prayer by Robert Service is one such poem.

In this literary critique and interpretation, we'll take a closer look at The Scribe's Prayer, exploring the themes, symbolism, and literary techniques used by Service to create a powerful and poignant work of art.

Overview of The Scribe's Prayer

Before we delve into the details, let's take a moment to consider the poem's structure and content. The Scribe's Prayer is a narrative poem that tells the story of a scribe who works tirelessly to document the events of his time. Through his words, we see the struggles and triumphs of his people, and we witness the passing of an era.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The simple and straightforward structure of the poem mirrors the scribe's dedication to his craft. He is a man of few words, but every word he writes is imbued with meaning.

Theme of The Scribe's Prayer

At its heart, The Scribe's Prayer is a poem about the power of words. Through the scribe's eyes, we see how the written word can change lives and shape history. The scribe's prayer is not only a plea for divine guidance but also a testament to the importance of his work.

Service uses the scribe's prayer to explore the concept of legacy. The scribe knows that his work will outlive him, and he wants to ensure that future generations understand the struggles and triumphs of his people. He sees himself as a custodian of history, a man who is tasked with preserving the past for the future.

Symbolism in The Scribe's Prayer

Service employs a number of symbols in The Scribe's Prayer to reinforce the poem's themes. The most significant of these is the image of the "scroll." The scroll represents the scribe's work and the weight of responsibility that comes with it. It is a symbol of the past, present, and future, and it reminds us that our actions today will have consequences for generations to come.

Another important symbol in the poem is the "quill." The quill represents the scribe's talent and his commitment to his craft. It is a symbol of the power of words and the importance of recording history.

Literary Techniques in The Scribe's Prayer

Service employs a number of literary techniques in The Scribe's Prayer to create a vivid and powerful work of art. One of the most notable is imagery. Service paints a vivid picture of the scribe's world through his words. We see the "parchment yellowed and torn," the "quill that is worn," and the "ink that is faded." These images evoke a sense of the passage of time and the weight of history.

Another literary technique used in the poem is repetition. Service repeats the phrase "Lord, may my work be well begun" three times in the poem. This repetition creates a sense of urgency and reinforces the importance of the scribe's work.

Conclusion

The Scribe's Prayer is a work of art that explores the power of words and the importance of history. Through the scribe's eyes, we see how the written word can change lives and shape history. The poem is a testament to the importance of legacy and the weight of responsibility that comes with preserving the past for the future.

Service employs a number of literary techniques in the poem, including imagery and repetition, to create a vivid and powerful work of art. The structure of the poem is simple but effective, mirroring the scribe's dedication to his craft.

In conclusion, The Scribe's Prayer is a masterpiece of poetry that speaks to the soul. It reminds us of the power of words and the importance of recording history. It is a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, a testament to the enduring power of art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Scribe's Prayer: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. One of his most celebrated poems, The Scribe's Prayer, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. The poem is a beautiful expression of the writer's passion for his craft and his desire to create something that will last forever. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by Service to create a timeless piece of art.

The Scribe's Prayer is a poem that speaks to the heart of every writer. It is a prayer that expresses the writer's desire to create something that will stand the test of time. The poem begins with the writer asking for divine inspiration to create something that will be remembered long after he is gone. He prays for the ability to write something that will touch the hearts of people and inspire them to greatness. The poem's opening lines set the tone for the rest of the piece, which is a beautiful expression of the writer's passion for his craft.

The poem's structure is simple yet effective. It is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The simplicity of the structure allows the reader to focus on the poem's message and the emotions it evokes. The poem's brevity is also a testament to Service's skill as a writer. He manages to convey his message in just sixteen lines, which is no small feat.

Service uses several literary devices to create a powerful and evocative poem. The most prominent of these is imagery. He uses vivid descriptions to paint a picture in the reader's mind. For example, in the second stanza, he writes, "Let me not stumble in the mire / Of petty triumphs or desire." This line creates a vivid image of a writer struggling to stay true to his craft and not be swayed by the temptations of fame and fortune. The use of imagery is one of the reasons why The Scribe's Prayer is such a powerful and memorable poem.

Another literary device that Service uses is repetition. He repeats the phrase "Let me write" several times throughout the poem. This repetition emphasizes the writer's desire to create something that will last forever. It also creates a sense of urgency, as if the writer is pleading with the divine to grant him the ability to write something great. The repetition of this phrase is one of the reasons why The Scribe's Prayer is such a memorable and impactful poem.

Service also uses symbolism to create a deeper meaning in the poem. For example, in the third stanza, he writes, "Let me not fail before I die / And leave no footprints passing by." This line is a powerful symbol of the writer's desire to leave a lasting legacy. It speaks to the human desire to be remembered long after we are gone. The use of symbolism adds depth and meaning to the poem, making it a work of art that can be interpreted in many different ways.

In conclusion, The Scribe's Prayer is a masterpiece of literature that has stood the test of time. It is a beautiful expression of the writer's passion for his craft and his desire to create something that will last forever. Service's use of imagery, repetition, and symbolism creates a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the heart of every writer. The poem's structure is simple yet effective, allowing the reader to focus on the message and emotions it evokes. The Scribe's Prayer is a testament to Service's skill as a writer and his ability to create a timeless piece of art.

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