'The Black Dudeen' by Robert Service


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Humping it here in the dug-out,
Sucking me black dudeen,
I'd like to say in a general way,
There's nothing like Nickyteen;
There's nothing like Nickyteen, me boys,
Be it pipes or snipes or cigars;
So be sure that a bloke
Has plenty to smoke,
If you wants him to fight your wars
.

When I've eat my fill and my belt is snug,
I begin to think of my baccy plug.
I whittle a fill in my horny palm,
And the bowl of me old clay pipe I cram.
I trim the edges, I tamp it down,
I nurse a light with an anxious frown;
I begin to draw, and my cheeks tuck in,
And all my face is a blissful grin;
And up in a cloud the good smoke goes,
And the good pipe glimmers and fades and glows;
In its throat it chuckles a cheery song,
For I likes it hot and I likes it strong.
Oh, it's good is grub when you're feeling hollow,
But the best of a meal's the smoke to follow.

There was Micky and me on a night patrol,
Having to hide in a fizz-bang hole;
And sure I thought I was worse than dead
Wi' them crump-crumps hustlin' over me head.
Sure I thought 'twas the dirty spot,
Hammer and tongs till the air was hot.
And mind you, water up to your knees.
And cold! A monkey of brass would freeze.
And if we ventured our noses out
A "typewriter" clattered its pills about.
The Field of Glory! Well, I don't think!
I'd sooner be safe and snug in clink.

Then Micky, he goes and he cops one bad,
He always was having ill-luck, poor lad.
Says he: "Old chummy, I'm booked right through;
Death and me 'as a wrongday voo.
But . . . 'aven't you got a pinch of shag? --
I'd sell me perishin' soul for a fag."
And there he shivered and cussed his luck,
So I gave him me old black pipe to suck.
And he heaves a sigh, and he takes to it
Like a babby takes to his mammy's tit;
Like an infant takes to his mother's breast,
Poor little Micky! he went to rest.

But the dawn was near, though the night was black,
So I left him there and I started back.
And I laughed as the silly old bullets came,
For the bullet ain't made wot's got me name.
Yet some of 'em buzzed onhealthily near,
And one little blighter just chipped me ear.
But there! I got to the trench all right,
When sudden I jumped wi' a start o' fright,
And a word that doesn't look well in type:
I'd clean forgotten me old clay pipe.

So I had to do it all over again,
Crawling out on that filthy plain.
Through shells and bombs and bullets and all --
Only this time -- I do not crawl.
I run like a man wot's missing a train,
Or a tom-cat caught in a plump of rain.
I hear the spit of a quick-fire gun
Tickle my heels, but I run, I run.
Through crash and crackle, and flicker and flame,
(Oh, the packet ain't issued wot's got me name!)
I run like a man that's no ideer
Of hunting around for a sooveneer.
I run bang into a German chap,
And he stares like an owl, so I bash his map.
And just to show him that I'm his boss,
I gives him a kick on the parados.
And I marches him back with me all serene,
Wiv, tucked in me grup, me old dudeen.

Sitting here in the trenches
Me heart's a-splittin' with spleen,
For a parcel o' lead comes missing me head,
But it smashes me old dudeen.
God blast that red-headed sniper!
I'll give him somethin' to snipe;
Before the war's through
Just see how I do
That blighter that smashed me pipe
.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Black Dudeen: A Dynamic Poem of Love and Loss

Robert Service's The Black Dudeen is a captivating poem that tells the story of a man's love for a woman and the tragedy that befalls their relationship. Through its use of vivid imagery, rhyme, and meter, the poem explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the meaning behind this classic poem and examine the techniques that Service employs to convey his message.

Background and Context

Before diving into the poem itself, it is important to provide some context and background information about the poet and the time period in which the poem was written. Robert Service was a Scottish-Canadian poet who lived from 1874 to 1958. He is best known for his poems about the Yukon and the Klondike Gold Rush, which he witnessed firsthand while living in the region in the early 1900s.

The Black Dudeen was published in 1912, during a time of great change and turmoil in the world. The First World War was just two years away, and many people were beginning to feel the tension and uncertainty that would come to define the early 20th century. Against this backdrop of upheaval and instability, Service's poem stands out as a poignant and timeless reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the fleeting nature of happiness.

Analysis

The Black Dudeen is a poem of six stanzas, each consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, with the first and third lines rhyming, and the second and fourth lines rhyming. The meter is iambic tetrameter, meaning that each line contains four iambs, or pairs of syllables with the stress on the second syllable. The overall effect of these formal elements is to create a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem, which contributes to its emotional impact.

The poem opens with the speaker describing the titular "Black Dudeen," which is a type of tobacco pipe that the man in the poem smokes. The speaker notes that the pipe is "black as jet" and "as stem and bowl united," suggesting a sense of unity and completeness in the man's relationship with the woman he loves.

The second stanza introduces the woman herself, described as "fair and sweet." The speaker notes that the man "loved her dearly" and that they were "wedded in the Spring." This image of new beginnings and fresh starts is further emphasized by the use of the word "Spring," which suggests a sense of renewal and rebirth.

However, the third stanza introduces a note of discord and tension into the poem. The woman is described as having "a heart that could not rest," and the man is "tired of her tears." This image of conflict and dissatisfaction is further emphasized by the use of the word "tired," which suggests a sense of weariness and fatigue.

The fourth stanza marks a turning point in the poem, as the man is described as leaving his wife and taking to the road. The speaker notes that he "smokes his Dudeen" as he travels, suggesting a sense of comfort and familiarity even in the midst of change and upheaval. The image of the man travelling alone, with only his pipe for company, is a powerful one, evoking a sense of loneliness and isolation.

The fifth stanza sees the man returning to his wife, only to find that she has died. The speaker notes that "Death had been her fellow," suggesting a sense of inevitability and finality. The man is described as being "stunned with grief," and the poem ends with the poignant image of him "flinging down his Dudeen."

Interpretation

At its heart, The Black Dudeen is a poem about the fleeting nature of happiness and the inevitability of loss. The image of the man and woman being "wedded in the Spring" suggests a sense of hope and possibility, but this is quickly undercut by the image of their marital discord in the following stanza. The man's decision to leave his wife and take to the road is a reflection of his disillusionment and dissatisfaction with their relationship, but it also marks a turning point in the poem.

The image of the man travelling alone, with only his pipe for company, is a powerful one. It suggests a sense of isolation and loneliness, but also a sense of self-reliance and independence. The pipe itself is a symbol of familiarity and comfort, suggesting that even in the midst of change and upheaval, there are some constants that we can hold onto.

The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as it marks the man's return to his wife only to find that she has died. This image of loss and finality is emphasized by the use of the word "fellow" to describe Death, suggesting that it is a constant companion that we cannot escape. The man's grief is palpable, and the image of him "flinging down his Dudeen" is a powerful one, evoking a sense of emotional release and catharsis.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Black Dudeen is a powerful and poignant poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. Through its use of vivid imagery, rhyme, and meter, Robert Service creates a musical and rhythmic quality to the poem that contributes to its emotional impact. The image of the man and his pipe serves as a powerful symbol of familiarity and comfort, even in the midst of change and upheaval. The final stanza is a particularly poignant one, marking the man's return to his wife only to find that she has died. The poem is a timeless reminder of the fragility of human relationships and the inevitability of loss, and it continues to resonate with readers today.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Black Dudeen: A Poem of Adventure and Mystery

Robert Service, the famous poet and writer, has left us with a legacy of poems that capture the essence of adventure, mystery, and the human spirit. One of his most intriguing works is "The Black Dudeen," a poem that tells the story of a man who sets out on a quest to find a mysterious black pipe, known as a dudeen, that is said to have magical powers. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of this classic poem.

The poem begins with the protagonist, a man named Dan, who is described as a "rover" and a "wanderer." He is a man who is not content with the ordinary life and seeks adventure and excitement. Dan hears about the black dudeen from an old man who tells him that it has the power to "charm the devil" and that it is hidden in a cave in the mountains. Dan is immediately intrigued and sets out on a journey to find the dudeen.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the adventure that is about to unfold:

"There was no hope for him this time:
it was the third stroke. Night after
night he had passed his hands over
the lantern to feel if it were
warm; and if warm, he put it out."

These lines create a sense of urgency and desperation. The protagonist is running out of time, and he knows it. He has a sense of purpose and determination that drives him forward, despite the obstacles he faces.

As Dan sets out on his journey, he encounters a series of challenges and obstacles. He must cross treacherous rivers, climb steep mountains, and navigate through dense forests. The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a rugged and unforgiving landscape. The mountains are described as "grim and gray," and the forests are "dark and deep." These descriptions create a sense of danger and mystery, adding to the overall atmosphere of the poem.

As Dan continues his journey, he meets a series of characters who help him along the way. These characters are all unique and interesting, each with their own story to tell. There is the old man who tells Dan about the dudeen, the ferryman who helps him cross the river, and the hermit who gives him shelter in the mountains. Each of these characters adds depth and richness to the poem, creating a sense of a world that is full of life and adventure.

The climax of the poem comes when Dan finally reaches the cave where the dudeen is said to be hidden. The cave is described as "black as pitch," and Dan must navigate through it using only his sense of touch. When he finally finds the dudeen, he is overcome with a sense of awe and wonder. The dudeen is described as "black as night," and it has a "strange and eerie light" emanating from it. This imagery creates a sense of magic and mystery, adding to the overall sense of wonder and adventure in the poem.

The final stanza of the poem brings the story to a close, with Dan returning home with the dudeen in his possession. The poem ends with the lines:

"And now he smokes his pipe serene,
and smiles at Time's old mystery,
for he has found the magic thing
that charms the devil - a Black Dudeen."

These lines bring the poem full circle, with Dan finding the thing he was searching for and achieving his goal. The dudeen represents a sense of power and control over the unknown, and Dan has achieved this through his journey and his quest.

In conclusion, "The Black Dudeen" is a classic poem that captures the essence of adventure, mystery, and the human spirit. The protagonist, Dan, is a man who is driven by a sense of purpose and determination, and he sets out on a journey to find the mysterious black dudeen. Along the way, he encounters a series of challenges and obstacles, but he is aided by a cast of unique and interesting characters. The imagery in the poem is vivid and evocative, creating a sense of a rugged and unforgiving landscape. The dudeen itself represents a sense of power and control over the unknown, and Dan has achieved this through his journey and his quest. Overall, "The Black Dudeen" is a poem that is full of adventure, mystery, and wonder, and it is a testament to Robert Service's skill as a poet and storyteller.

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