'The Leaning Tower' by Robert Service


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Rhymes of a RoughneckHaving an aged hate of height
I forced myself to climb the Tower,
Yet paused at every second flight
Because my heart is scant of power;
Then when I gained the sloping summit
Earthward I stared, straight as a plummet.When like a phantom by my side
I saw a man cadaverous;
At first I fancied him a guide,
For dimly he addressed me thus:
"Sir, where you stand, Oh long ago!
There also stood Galilleo."Proud Master of a mighty mind,
he worshipped truth and knew not fear;
Aye, though in age his eyes were blind,
Till death his brain was crystal clear;
And here he communed with the stars,
Where now you park your motor cars."This Pisa was a pleasant place,
Beloved by poets in their prime;
Yonder our Shelly used to pace,
And Byron

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Leaning Tower by Robert Service: A Masterpiece of Descriptive Poetry

As a lover of poetry, I have always been fascinated by Robert Service's work. Known for his ability to create vivid and picturesque images through his writing, Service's poetry has always been a personal favorite of mine.

However, among all of his work, there is one poem that has always stood out to me - The Leaning Tower. This particular work of Service is a masterpiece of descriptive poetry which captures the beauty of an iconic structure and the emotions it evokes in its beholder.

A Brief Overview

The Leaning Tower is a poem that describes the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa, a bell tower located in the city of Pisa, Italy. The tower is known for its distinctive lean, caused by the soft ground it was built upon, and has become an iconic symbol of Italy.

In this poem, Service uses vivid imagery to bring the tower to life, from the smooth marble of its walls to the bells that ring out from its top. But what makes this poem truly special is the way in which Service captures the emotions that the tower evokes in those who see it.

The Beauty of Descriptive Poetry

The Leaning Tower is a prime example of the beauty of descriptive poetry. Through his words, Service is able to paint a vivid picture of the tower, from its "smoothed and polished marble walls" to the "spiral stairs that wind like a serpent up its side."

As I read this poem, I am transported to the streets of Pisa, where I can see the tower rising above me, its lean making it seem almost as if it might fall at any moment. The imagery is so powerful that I can almost feel the cool touch of the marble against my skin and hear the bells ringing out from the top of the tower.

The Emotions of the Beholder

But what truly sets The Leaning Tower apart from other works of descriptive poetry is the way in which Service captures the emotions that the tower evokes in those who see it.

As he describes the tower, Service speaks of the "clamorous bells" that ring out from its top, "filling the air with sound." He describes the tower as a "dazzling sight" that "fills the eye with wonder." These words capture the excitement and awe that one might feel upon seeing the tower for the first time.

However, there is also a sense of melancholy that runs throughout the poem. Service speaks of the "tragic flaw" of the tower - its lean - and the fact that it may one day fall. He describes the tower as a "monument to a civilization that's gone" and speaks of the "futility of all human endeavor."

The Message of the Poem

To me, the message of The Leaning Tower is one of both beauty and tragedy. Service's words remind us that even the most breathtaking of structures is not immune to the passage of time and the impermanence of all things.

But at the same time, the poem celebrates the beauty and wonder of this iconic structure, reminding us of the power that art and architecture can hold over us.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Leaning Tower by Robert Service is a masterpiece of descriptive poetry that captures both the beauty and tragedy of this iconic structure. Through his words, Service transports us to the streets of Pisa, where we can see and feel the tower for ourselves.

But more than that, The Leaning Tower reminds us of the power of art and architecture to move us and inspire us, even in the face of the impermanence of all things. For that reason, it is a poem that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Leaning Tower: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service is a name that is synonymous with poetry. His works have been celebrated for their simplicity, yet profoundness. One of his most famous poems, The Leaning Tower, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Written in 1917, the poem is a reflection of the human condition and the struggles we face in life. In this article, we will take a closer look at The Leaning Tower and explore its themes, symbolism, and meaning.

The poem begins with the narrator describing a tower that is leaning. The tower is a symbol of the struggles we face in life. It represents the challenges that we must overcome to achieve our goals. The narrator describes the tower as being "crooked and old" and "cracked and corroded." These descriptions paint a picture of a tower that has been through a lot and has weathered many storms. The tower is a metaphor for the human spirit, which can be battered and beaten, but still stands strong.

As the poem progresses, the narrator describes the tower's surroundings. He talks about the "dusty, narrow street" and the "dingy shops" that line it. These descriptions create a sense of desolation and despair. The street represents the struggles of everyday life, and the shops represent the things that distract us from our goals. The narrator tells us that the tower is "lonely and tall" and that it "looks down on all." This line is significant because it shows that the tower is above the struggles of everyday life. It represents the hope that we can rise above our challenges and achieve our goals.

The narrator then describes the people who live in the town. He talks about the "weary, worn-out folk" who "shuffle past" the tower. These people represent the struggles that we face in life. They are tired and beaten down by the challenges they have faced. The narrator tells us that the tower "looks down on them all" and that it "seems to say: 'I'm standing - why should you fall?'" This line is significant because it shows that the tower is a symbol of hope. It represents the idea that we can overcome our struggles and rise above them.

The poem then takes a turn as the narrator describes a young girl who walks past the tower. The girl is described as being "fair and young" and "full of hope and dreams." She represents the hope that we all have inside of us. The narrator tells us that the tower "looks down on her" and that it "seems to say: 'This is my own - my precious hour!'" This line is significant because it shows that the tower is a symbol of hope and opportunity. It represents the idea that we can seize the moment and make the most of our lives.

The poem ends with the narrator describing the tower as being "crooked and old" and "cracked and corroded." These descriptions are repeated from the beginning of the poem. They show that the tower has been through a lot, but it still stands strong. The narrator tells us that the tower "looks down on all" and that it "seems to say: 'Forever - I shall not fall!'" This line is significant because it shows that the tower is a symbol of hope and resilience. It represents the idea that we can overcome our struggles and stand strong.

In conclusion, The Leaning Tower is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. It is a reflection of the human condition and the struggles we face in life. The tower is a symbol of hope and resilience, representing the idea that we can overcome our challenges and rise above them. The poem is a reminder that no matter how crooked and old we may feel, we can still stand strong and achieve our goals. Robert Service's The Leaning Tower is a timeless classic that will continue to inspire generations to come.

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