'The Christmas Tree' by Robert Service

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Songs of a Sun-LoverIn the dark and damp of the alley cold,
Lay the Christmas tree that hadn't been sold;
By a shopman dourly thrown outside;
With the ruck and rubble of Christmas-tide;
Trodden deep in the muck and mire,
Unworthy even to feed a fire...
So I stopped and salvaged that tarnished tree,
And thus is the story it told to me:"My Mother was Queen of the forest glade,
And proudly I prospered in her shade;
For she said to me: 'When I am dead,
You will be monarch in my stead,
And reign, as I, for a hundred years,
A tower of triumph amid your peers,
When I crash in storm I will yield you space;
Son, you will worthily take my place.'"So I grew in grace like a happy child,
In the heart of the forest free and wild;
And the moss and the ferns were all about,
And the craintive mice crept in and out;
And a wood-dove swung on my highest twig,
And a chipmunk chattered: 'So big! So big!'
And a shy fawn nibbled a tender shoot,
And a rabbit nibbled under my root...
Oh, I was happy in rain and shine
As I thought of the destiny that was mine!
Then a man with an axe came cruising by
And I knew that my fate was to fall and die."With a hundred others he packed me tight,
And we drove to a magic city of light,
To an avenue lined with Christmas trees,
And I thought: may be I'll be one of these,
Tinselledwith silver and tricked with gold,
A lovely sight for a child to behold;
A-glitter with lights of every hue,
Ruby and emerald, orange and blue,
And kiddies dancing, with shrieks of glee -One might fare worse than a Christmas tree."So they stood me up with a hundred more
In the blaze of a big department store;
But I thought of the forest dark and still,
And the dew and the snow and the heat and the chill,
And the soft chinook and the summer breeze,
And the dappled deer and the birds and the bees...
I was so homesick I wanted to cry,
But patient I waited for someone to buy.
And some said 'Too big,' and some 'Too small,'
And some passed on saying nothing at all.
Then a little boy cried: Ma, buy that one,'
But she shook her head: 'Too dear, my son."
So the evening came, when they closed the store,
And I was left on the littered floor,
A tree unwanted, despised, unsold,
Thrown out at last in the alley cold."Then I said: "Don't sorrow; at least you'll be
A bright and beautiful New Year's tree,
All shimmer and glimmer and glow and gleam,
A radiant sight like a fairy dream.
For there is a little child I know,
Who lives in poverty, wantand woe;
Who lies abed from morn to night,
And never has known an hour's delight..."So I stood the tree at the foot of her bed:
"Santa's a little late," I said.
"Poor old chap! Snowbound on the way,
But he's here at last, so let's be gay."
Then she woke from sleep and she saw you there,
And her eyes were love and her lips were prayer.
And her thin little arms were stretched to you
With a yearning joy that they never knew.
She woke from the darkest dark to see
Like a heavenly vision, that Christmas Tree.Her mother despaired and feared the end,
But from that day she began to mend,
To play, to sing, to laugh with glee...
Bless you, O little Christmas Tree!
You died, but your life was not in vain:
You helped a child to forget her pain,
And let hope live in our hearts again.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Christmas Tree by Robert Service: A literary masterpiece for the season

As soon as the Christmas season starts to draw near, people start to decorate their homes with ornaments, lights, and of course, a Christmas tree. But have you ever stopped to think about the history of the Christmas tree? And have you ever wondered how this tradition became so popular around the world?

In his poem "The Christmas Tree," Robert Service explores the origins of this beloved tradition, while also reminding us of the true meaning of Christmas.

A brief overview of the poem

"The Christmas Tree" is a narrative poem written in four stanzas. It begins with the speaker recalling his childhood memories of Christmas, where the family would go out and choose a tree to bring home and decorate. The speaker then goes on to describe the various ornaments and decorations that are hung on the tree, including tinsel, candles, and candy canes.

As the poem progresses, the speaker takes a more philosophical tone, reflecting on the symbolism of the Christmas tree. He compares the tree to a "symbol bright and fair," representing the hope and joy that Christmas brings. He also highlights the religious significance of the holiday, noting that the tree serves as a reminder of the birth of Christ.

The final stanza of the poem takes a poignant turn, as the speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of time. He notes that the tree, once so vibrant and alive, will eventually wither and die, just as we all must face our own mortality. Despite this, however, the speaker concludes that the Christmas tree remains a symbol of hope and joy, reminding us to cherish the moments we have in life.

Analysis of the poem

At its core, "The Christmas Tree" is a poem about the power of tradition and the importance of cherishing the moments we have in life. Through his vivid descriptions of the decorations that adorn the tree, Service evokes a sense of nostalgia and warmth, reminding us of the happy memories we associate with the holiday season.

But there is more to the poem than just a simple celebration of Christmas cheer. Service also emphasizes the deeper meanings behind the traditions we practice. By comparing the tree to a "symbol bright and fair," he suggests that the Christmas tree represents something more than just a festive decoration. It is a symbol of hope and joy, a beacon of light in the darkness of winter.

Moreover, Service notes that the Christmas tree serves as a reminder of the birth of Christ. As a religious holiday, Christmas has deep spiritual significance for those who celebrate it. By incorporating this theme into his poem, Service reminds us that the true meaning of the holiday goes beyond gift-giving and merrymaking.

Finally, the poem takes on an elegiac tone in its final stanza, as the speaker reflects on the transience of life. By noting that the tree will eventually wither and die, he reminds us that our time on this earth is limited. However, rather than dwelling on this fact, the speaker concludes that the Christmas tree remains a symbol of hope and joy, reminding us to live in the moment and cherish the time we have.

Conclusion

"The Christmas Tree" is a holiday classic that has resonated with readers for generations. By celebrating the traditions of Christmas while also reflecting on their deeper meanings, Robert Service has created a poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound and meaningful way.

Whether you celebrate Christmas or not, there is something universal in the themes of hope, joy, and mortality that Service explores in his poem. And in a world where we often get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, "The Christmas Tree" serves as a gentle reminder to slow down, appreciate the beauty around us, and cherish the moments we have with the people we love.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Christmas Tree by Robert Service is a classic poem that captures the essence of the holiday season. The poem is a beautiful depiction of the joy and excitement that comes with the Christmas season. The poem is written in a simple yet powerful language that makes it easy to understand and appreciate. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the Christmas tree as a symbol of joy and happiness. The tree is described as a "glorious sight" that brings "laughter and light" into the home. The speaker goes on to describe the tree as a "fairyland" that is filled with "tinsel and toys" and "candles and joys." The imagery used in these lines is vivid and creates a sense of wonder and excitement.

The second stanza of the poem describes the process of decorating the tree. The speaker describes how the family comes together to decorate the tree with "baubles and balls" and "ribbons and bows." The tree is described as a "splendid sight" that is "dressed in its best" for the holiday season. The imagery used in these lines is beautiful and creates a sense of warmth and togetherness.

The third stanza of the poem describes the joy that the tree brings to the family. The speaker describes how the tree "sparkles and glows" and "fills the room with its light." The tree is described as a "beacon of hope" that brings "peace and goodwill" to the home. The imagery used in these lines is powerful and creates a sense of peace and happiness.

The fourth stanza of the poem describes the tradition of exchanging gifts. The speaker describes how the family gathers around the tree to exchange gifts and how the tree is the "center of all." The tree is described as a "shrine of love" that is filled with "gifts from above." The imagery used in these lines is beautiful and creates a sense of love and generosity.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem describes the end of the holiday season. The speaker describes how the tree is taken down and how the family says goodbye to the holiday season. The tree is described as a "memory sweet" that will be remembered for years to come. The imagery used in these lines is bittersweet and creates a sense of nostalgia.

Overall, The Christmas Tree by Robert Service is a beautiful poem that captures the essence of the holiday season. The poem is filled with vivid imagery that creates a sense of wonder and excitement. The poem also captures the sense of togetherness and love that comes with the holiday season. The poem is a timeless classic that will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come.

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