'Take It Easy' by Robert Service

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Rhymes of a RoughneckWhen I was boxing in the ring
In 'Frisco back in ninety-seven,
I used to make five bucks a fling
To give as good as I was given.
But when I felt too fighting gay,
And tried to be a dinger-donger,
My second, Mike Muldoon. would say:
"Go easy, kid; you'll stay the longer."When I was on the Yukon trail
The boys would warn, when things were bleakest,
The weakest link's the one to fail -
Said I: "by Gosh! I won't be weakest."
So I would strain with might and main,
Striving to prove I was the stronger,
Till Sourdough Sam would snap: "Goddam!
Go easy, son; you'' last the longer."
So all you lads of eighty odd
Take my advice - you'll never rue it:
Be quite prepared to meet your God,
But don't stampede yourselves to do it.
Just cultivate a sober gait;
Don't emulate the lively conger;
No need to race, slow down the pace,
Go easy, Pals - you'll linger longer.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Take It Easy: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the stresses of life, and wished you could just escape it all? Robert Service’s poem “Take It Easy” is an invitation to do just that. Published in 1926, the poem captures the spirit of the 1920s, when people were recovering from the trauma of World War I and were ushering in a new era of social and cultural change. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the themes, structure, language, and imagery of the poem to understand its significance.

Themes

At its core, “Take It Easy” is a poem about the importance of slowing down and enjoying the simple things in life. The speaker of the poem urges the reader to “forget your troubles” and “let the world go by”. He advises us to “smile a little, smile a little”, “sing a little, sing a little” and “dream a little, dream a little”, in order to find peace and joy in our lives.

The poem also touches upon the theme of mortality. The speaker acknowledges that life is short and that we should make the most of it while we can. He warns us against taking life too seriously and reminds us that “we’re all bound to go”. This message is particularly poignant when we consider that Robert Service himself lived through both World War I and the Spanish Flu pandemic, which claimed millions of lives.

Structure

“Take It Easy” is a simple poem with a straightforward structure. It consists of four stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a sing-song quality. The poem’s simplicity makes it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. It is a poem that can be enjoyed by children and adults alike.

Language

The language of “Take It Easy” is easy to understand and is filled with colloquialisms. The speaker uses phrases like “don’t get het up” and “take it slow” to convey his message. The language is also repetitive, which reinforces the poem’s central theme. The phrases “smile a little, smile a little” and “dream a little, dream a little” are repeated in each stanza, emphasizing the importance of taking things slow and enjoying life.

The poem also uses alliteration to create a musical quality. The phrase “sing a little, sing a little” has a pleasing sound to it, as does “dream a little, dream a little”. The use of alliteration contributes to the poem’s overall tone of lightheartedness and joy.

Imagery

“Take It Easy” is filled with vivid imagery that helps the reader to visualize the speaker’s message. The first stanza, for example, describes a “little brook” that “seems to sing” as it flows. This imagery reinforces the idea of taking things slow and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

The second stanza uses the imagery of “daisies and buttercups” to create a picture of a peaceful meadow. The speaker encourages the reader to “stroll amid the flowers” and “let your heart make merry”. The image of the meadow is a symbol of tranquility and joy.

The third stanza uses the image of a “weary world” to contrast with the peaceful meadow of the previous stanza. The speaker acknowledges that life can be difficult and that we all have our troubles. However, he urges the reader to “smile a little, smile a little” in spite of our troubles.

The final stanza uses the image of a “tiny star” to represent the briefness of life. The speaker reminds us that life is short and that we should “dream a little, dream a little” while we can. The image of the star is a powerful symbol of the transience of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, “Take It Easy” is a simple yet powerful poem that encourages the reader to slow down and enjoy the simple things in life. The poem’s themes of joy, mortality, and tranquility make it a timeless classic that is still relevant today. The poem’s structure, language, and imagery all contribute to its overall message of taking things slow and enjoying life while we can. So, the next time you feel overwhelmed by the stresses of life, remember the words of Robert Service and “take it easy”.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Take It Easy: A Classic Masterpiece by Robert Service

If you are a poetry enthusiast, you must have come across the name Robert Service, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century. Service was a master of narrative poetry, and his works are known for their vivid imagery, humor, and simplicity. One of his most famous poems is "Take It Easy," a classic masterpiece that captures the essence of life's struggles and the need to persevere.

"Take It Easy" is a poem that speaks to the heart of every person who has ever faced adversity. It is a poem that reminds us that life is not always easy, but we must keep going, no matter what. The poem is written in a simple, yet powerful language that makes it easy to understand and relate to. It is a poem that inspires and uplifts, and it is no wonder that it has stood the test of time.

The poem begins with the lines, "Oh, it's easy to be humble when you're lowly and despised, / And it's easy to be brave when you're on the winning side." These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on the challenges of life and the need to keep going, even when things seem impossible. The speaker acknowledges that it is easy to be humble when you have nothing, but it is much harder to maintain that humility when you have achieved success. Similarly, it is easy to be brave when you are winning, but it takes real courage to keep going when you are losing.

The poem goes on to describe the struggles of life, using vivid imagery that captures the reader's imagination. The speaker talks about the "bitter winds of poverty" and the "blinding snow of circumstance," which are metaphors for the challenges that we all face in life. The poem acknowledges that life is not always fair, and that we will face obstacles and setbacks along the way. However, the speaker encourages us to keep going, to "take it easy," and to remember that we are not alone in our struggles.

One of the most powerful lines in the poem is, "For the world is full of roses, and the roses full of dew." This line is a reminder that even in the midst of our struggles, there is beauty and hope all around us. It is a reminder that life is not just about the challenges we face, but also about the joys and blessings that we experience. The speaker encourages us to focus on the good things in life, to appreciate the beauty around us, and to keep going, no matter what.

The poem ends with the lines, "So take it easy, and be happy while you may, / For life is short and fleeting, and you're only here today." These lines are a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of every moment. They are a call to action, urging us to live our lives to the fullest, to be happy, and to enjoy the time that we have.

In conclusion, "Take It Easy" is a classic masterpiece that speaks to the heart of every person who has ever faced adversity. It is a poem that reminds us that life is not always easy, but we must keep going, no matter what. The poem is written in a simple, yet powerful language that makes it easy to understand and relate to. It is a poem that inspires and uplifts, and it is no wonder that it has stood the test of time. So, take it easy, and be happy while you may, for life is short and fleeting, and you're only here today.

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