'White Christmas' by Robert Service


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My folks think I'm a serving maid
Each time I visit home;
They do not dream I ply a trade
As old as Greece or Rome;
For if they found I'd fouled their name
And was not white as snow,
I'm sure that they would die of shame . . .
Please, God, they'll never know.

I clean the paint from off my face,
In sober black I dress;
Of coquetry I leave no trace
To give them vague distress;
And though it causes me a pang
To play such sorry tricks,
About my neck I meekly hang
A silver crufix.

And so with humble step I go
Just like a child again,
To greet their Christmas candle-glow,
A soul without a stain;
So well I play my contrite part
I make myself believe
There's not a stain within my heart
On Holy Christmas Eve.

With double natures we are vext,
And what we feel, we are;
A saint one day, a sinner next,
A red light or a star;
A prostitute or proselyte,
And in each part sincere:
So I become a vestal white
One week in every year.

For this I say without demur
From out life's lurid lore,
Each righteous woman has in her
A tincture of the whore;
While every harpy of the night,
As I have learned too well;
Holds in her heart a heaven-light
To ransom her from hell.


So I'll go home and sweep and dust;
I'll make the kitchen fire,
And be a model of daughters just
The best they could desire;
I'll fondle them and cook their food,
And Mother dear will say:
"Thank God! my darling is as good
As when she went away."

But after New Year's Day I'll fill
My bag and though they grieve,
I'll bid them both good-bye until
Another Christmas Eve;
And then . . . a knock upon the door:
I'll find them waiting there,
And angel-like I'll come once more
In answer to their prayer.

Then Lo! one night when candle-light
Gleams mystic on the snow,
And music swells of Christmas bells,
I'll come, no more to go:
The old folks need my love and care,
Their gold shall gild my dross,
And evermore my breast shall bear
My little silver cross.

Editor 1 Interpretation

White Christmas: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Introduction

White Christmas is a classic poem written by Robert Service, a writer known for his vivid and lyrical descriptions of the Canadian landscape. The poem was first published in 1913, and it has since become a beloved holiday classic. The poem is a celebration of Christmas, and it captures the beauty and magic of the winter season. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of White Christmas.

Themes

One of the central themes of White Christmas is the beauty of the natural world. The poem begins with a description of the snow-covered landscape, and the speaker marvels at the sight of the "crystal branches" and the "frosty trees." The snow is depicted as a magical substance that transforms the world, turning it into a winter wonderland. This theme is reinforced throughout the poem, as the speaker continues to describe the snow and the ice in vivid detail.

Another theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of connection and community. The speaker talks about the "friendly hearths" and the "smiling faces" that he encounters on his journey. There is a sense of warmth and hospitality that pervades the poem, as the speaker is welcomed into homes and offered food and drink. This sense of community is further reinforced by the final stanza of the poem, which speaks of love and unity.

Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of White Christmas is its vivid imagery. The poem is filled with beautiful and evocative descriptions of the winter landscape. The snow is described as "fluffy drifts" and "frozen foam," and the trees are depicted as "crystal branches" and "frosty boughs." There is a sense of wonder and awe in these descriptions, as if the speaker is seeing the world through new eyes.

The imagery in the poem also serves to create a sense of atmosphere. The cold and the snow are palpable, and the reader can almost feel the chill in the air. The descriptions of the warm hearths and the cozy fires provide a sharp contrast to the cold outside, and create a sense of comfort and security.

Symbolism

White Christmas is rich in symbolism, and the poem can be read on many levels. One of the most obvious symbols in the poem is the snow itself. The snow represents purity and innocence, and it is often associated with Christmas and the idea of a "white Christmas." The snow also symbolizes transformation, as it covers the landscape and makes everything look new and fresh.

Another important symbol in the poem is the hearth. The hearth represents warmth and hospitality, and it is often associated with home and family. The hearth is a place where people gather, and it is a symbol of community and connection.

Finally, the poem can be seen as a symbol of hope and renewal. The winter season can be harsh and unforgiving, but the snow and the cold eventually give way to the warmth and renewal of spring. In this sense, the poem can be seen as a celebration of the cyclical nature of life, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always the promise of renewal and growth.

Conclusion

White Christmas is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the magic and wonder of the winter season. The poem is filled with vivid imagery and rich symbolism, and it explores themes of beauty, community, and hope. Robert Service was a master of his craft, and his lyrical descriptions of the Canadian landscape continue to inspire and enchant readers to this day. Whether read by the fire on a snowy night or recited around the Christmas tree, White Christmas is a timeless classic that will continue to delight and inspire for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

White Christmas: A Classic Poem by Robert Service

As the holiday season approaches, many of us find ourselves humming the tune of the classic Christmas song, "White Christmas." But did you know that the song was actually inspired by a poem written by Robert Service? That's right, the same Robert Service who gave us the iconic "The Cremation of Sam McGee" also penned the words that would later become a beloved holiday song.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at Service's poem "White Christmas" and explore its themes, imagery, and significance.

The Poem

First, let's take a look at the poem itself:

The sun has sunk beneath the trees,
And in the sheltered dell
The clinging snow is like a fleece
Upon the woolly fell;
And evening brings the rosy peace
That broods o'er hill and dell.

The pine-trees stand as dark and still
As sentinels at night;
And nothing 'neath the moon so chill
Seems alien or bright;
But dear to every dreaming hill
Is the white world of light.

Oh, the white world of light, my dear,
The white world of snow!
How pure, how beautiful it is,
To have such a world below!
Oh, the white world of light, my dear,
The white world of snow!

The world is full of weariness,
And tired hearts to-day;
The white world's full of happiness,
And weary hearts at play.
How freely would I breathe and bless
That white world far away!

Oh, the white world of light, my dear,
The white world of snow!
How my heart sings with happiness
To see that world below!
Oh, the white world of light, my dear,
The white world of snow!

Themes

At its core, "White Christmas" is a poem about the beauty and joy of winter. Service paints a picture of a world covered in snow, where the trees stand still and the evening brings a sense of peace. The snow is described as "pure" and "beautiful," and the speaker longs to be a part of this "white world of light."

But the poem also touches on deeper themes of weariness and happiness. The world may be full of tired hearts, but the white world of snow is full of joy and play. The speaker longs to breathe freely and bless this world far away.

Imagery

Service's use of imagery is what makes "White Christmas" such a vivid and memorable poem. He describes the snow as "clinging" and "like a fleece upon the woolly fell," creating a sense of softness and warmth. The pine trees are "dark and still," like sentinels guarding the winter landscape. And the moon is described as "chill," emphasizing the coldness of the season.

But it's the repeated phrase "the white world of light" that really captures the imagination. This phrase conjures up images of a world covered in snow, where everything is bright and pure. It's a world that the speaker longs to be a part of, and one that fills his heart with happiness.

Significance

So why has "White Christmas" endured as a beloved holiday poem and song? Part of it is undoubtedly due to the catchy tune and memorable lyrics of the song version. But the poem itself also speaks to something deeper within us.

In a world that can often feel dark and weary, "White Christmas" offers a vision of a world that is pure, beautiful, and full of joy. It's a reminder that even in the midst of hardship and weariness, there is still beauty and light to be found.

Conclusion

Robert Service's "White Christmas" may not be as well-known as some of his other works, but it's a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the magic of the winter season. Through his use of imagery and themes, Service creates a world that is both familiar and enchanting, a world that we can all long to be a part of. So as we sing along to the classic holiday song this year, let's remember the poet who first gave us these words, and the beauty and joy that they represent.

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