'The Walkers' by Robert Service


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(He speaks.)

Walking, walking, oh, the joy of walking!
Swinging down the tawny lanes with head held high;
Striding up the green hills, through the heather stalking,
Swishing through the woodlands where the brown leaves lie;
Marveling at all things -- windmills gaily turning,
Apples for the cider-press, ruby-hued and gold;
Tails of rabbits twinkling, scarlet berries burning,
Wedge of geese high-flying in the sky's clear cold,
Light in little windows, field and furrow darkling;
Home again returning, hungry as a hawk;
Whistling up the garden, ruddy-cheeked and sparkling,
Oh, but I am happy as I walk, walk, walk!

(She speaks.)

Walking, walking, oh, the curse of walking!
Slouching round the grim square, shuffling up the street,
Slinking down the by-way, all my graces hawking,
Offering my body to each man I meet.
Peering in the gin-shop where the lads are drinking,
Trying to look gay-like, crazy with the blues;
Halting in a doorway, shuddering and shrinking
(Oh, my draggled feather and my thin, wet shoes).
Here's a drunken drover: "Hullo, there, old dearie!"
No, he only curses, can't be got to talk. . . .
On and on till daylight, famished, wet and weary,
God in Heaven help me as I walk, walk, walk!

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Walkers by Robert Service: A Poem of Endurance and Resilience

Have you ever felt the urge to wander, to explore the unknown, to test the limits of your endurance and resilience? If so, you might find a kindred spirit in Robert Service, the Canadian poet who wrote "The Walkers," a stirring ode to the power of the human spirit.

In this 64-line poem, Service captures the essence of a long journey on foot, through rugged terrain and harsh weather, as a group of walkers push themselves beyond their physical and mental limits. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which captures a different aspect of the experience.

Stanza 1: The Wanderlust

The poem begins with a description of the walkers setting out on their journey, driven by a restless wanderlust that compels them to leave behind their comfortable homes and familiar surroundings. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, creating a sense of excitement and anticipation:

Oh, we'll go where the wind goes, dearie,
We'll go where the waves roll high;
We'll go where the green grass sways, dearie,
With the blue bowl of the sky.

Here, Service uses alliteration and rhyme to create a musical quality to the lines, reinforcing the sense of adventure and spontaneity. The image of the "blue bowl of the sky" also suggests a vast, open space, suggesting that the walkers are seeking freedom and expansiveness in their journey.

Stanza 2: The Struggle

In the second stanza, the poem takes a darker turn, as the walkers face the harsh realities of their journey. The weather turns against them, and they are forced to contend with rain, wind, and cold. Service vividly describes the challenge of walking through wet and muddy terrain, struggling to keep their footing:

The way is wild and woolly, dearie,
And the path is hard to find;
But we'll go where the hills are high, dearie,
With the stormy seas behind.

Here, Service uses repetition and a simple, almost childlike vocabulary to convey the difficulty of the journey. The walkers are not deterred, however; they push on, driven by their determination to reach their goal.

Stanza 3: The Triumph

In the third stanza, the walkers find themselves at the summit of a mountain, looking out over a breathtaking vista. The struggle of the journey has been worth it, and they revel in their triumph:

The view is worth the climbing, dearie,
The air is sweet and rare;
And we'll gaze away to the skyline, dearie,
And forget that we ever care.

Service's imagery here is striking and evocative, capturing the sense of awe and wonder that the walkers feel. The repetition of "dearie" also creates a sense of intimacy and camaraderie among the group, reinforcing the theme of human connection and endurance that runs throughout the poem.

Stanza 4: The Journey Continues

The final stanza of the poem brings us full circle, as the walkers prepare to set out again on their journey. They know that the road ahead will be just as challenging as the one behind them, but they are undaunted:

So we'll go where the wind goes, dearie,
And we'll follow the eagle's flight;
We'll go where the stars are bright, dearie,
And the moonbeams palely white.

Here, Service uses imagery of nature to suggest the ongoing, cyclical nature of the walker's journey. They are part of something larger than themselves, and their resilience and determination are a testament to the power of the human spirit.

Conclusion

In "The Walkers," Robert Service has created a poem that speaks to the universal human experience of endurance and resilience. Through his vivid imagery and simple, lyrical language, he captures the sense of adventure, struggle, and triumph that define the journey of life. Whether you are a seasoned hiker or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of the natural world, this poem is sure to resonate with you. So, take a deep breath, lace up your boots, and set out on your own journey, wherever it may lead.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Walkers: A Poem of Adventure and Exploration

Robert Service, the renowned poet, is known for his vivid and evocative descriptions of the natural world and the human experience. In his poem, The Walkers, he takes us on a journey through the rugged terrain of the Yukon, where two men set out to explore the wilderness and discover the secrets it holds. The poem is a celebration of adventure, exploration, and the human spirit, and it captures the essence of what it means to be a walker, a wanderer, and a seeker of truth.

The poem begins with a description of the two men, who are referred to as "the walkers." They are rugged and weather-beaten, with faces that are "bronzed and bearded, grim and gaunt." They are men of few words, but their eyes are bright with the fire of adventure, and they are driven by a restless spirit that compels them to explore the unknown. They are not afraid of the dangers that lie ahead, for they know that the rewards of discovery are worth the risks.

As the walkers set out on their journey, they are surrounded by the vastness of the wilderness. The mountains rise up around them, and the rivers flow like veins through the land. The air is crisp and clean, and the scent of pine and spruce fills their nostrils. They walk with a steady pace, their boots crunching on the gravel beneath their feet, and they are filled with a sense of purpose and determination.

As they journey deeper into the wilderness, they encounter a variety of obstacles and challenges. They must cross treacherous rivers, climb steep mountains, and navigate through dense forests. They face hunger, thirst, and exhaustion, but they never lose their resolve. They are driven by a sense of curiosity and wonder, and they are determined to uncover the secrets of the land.

The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world. Service captures the beauty and majesty of the Yukon, with its rugged mountains, pristine rivers, and dense forests. He describes the wildlife that inhabits the land, from the grizzly bears and wolves to the eagles and ravens. He paints a picture of a world that is both harsh and beautiful, a world that is full of wonder and mystery.

As the walkers journey deeper into the wilderness, they begin to uncover the secrets of the land. They discover hidden valleys and remote lakes, and they encounter ancient glaciers and towering waterfalls. They witness the power and majesty of nature, and they are humbled by its grandeur. They are filled with a sense of awe and wonder, and they realize that there is much more to the world than they ever imagined.

The poem is also a celebration of the human spirit. The walkers are not just explorers, they are also survivors. They face danger and adversity with courage and determination, and they never give up. They are driven by a sense of curiosity and wonder, and they are willing to risk everything to uncover the secrets of the land. They are true adventurers, and they embody the spirit of exploration and discovery.

In conclusion, The Walkers is a poem that celebrates the beauty and majesty of the natural world, the spirit of adventure and exploration, and the resilience of the human spirit. It is a tribute to those who are willing to take risks, to those who are driven by a sense of curiosity and wonder, and to those who are willing to explore the unknown. It is a reminder that there is much more to the world than we ever imagined, and that the rewards of discovery are worth the risks. Robert Service has captured the essence of what it means to be a walker, a wanderer, and a seeker of truth, and his poem will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

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