'Ripeness' by Robert Service


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Rhymes for My RagsWith peace and rest
And wisdom sage,
Ripeness is best
Of every age.
With hands that fold
In pensive prayer,
For grave-yard moldPrepare.From fighting free
With fear forgot,
Let ripeness be,
Before the rot.
With heart of cheer
At eighty odd,
How man grows nearTo God!With passion spent
And life nigh run
Let us repent
The ill we've done.
And as we bless
With happy heart
Life's mellowness--Depart.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Ripeness" by Robert Service: An Analysis of Poetic Brilliance

Are you looking for a poem that captures the beauty of life's ripeness? Look no further than Robert Service's "Ripeness." This masterpiece of poetry is a celebration of the fullness of life and the joy that comes with it.

First published in 1926, "Ripeness" is a prime example of Service's skill in capturing the essence of human experience. The poem begins with a simple statement:

It's later than you think, it's later than you know

The evening star is up and the grass is down

And dewfall covers the hedgerow.

These opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is reminding us that time is passing, and we must appreciate every moment before it's too late. The use of the evening star and dewfall create a serene and tranquil atmosphere, suggesting that Service sees the world as a peaceful and beautiful place.

As the poem progresses, Service explores the idea of ripeness. He uses fruit as a metaphor for human life, describing how it ripens and eventually falls from the tree. This is a powerful image that resonates with readers, reminding us that life is fleeting and we must live it to the fullest.

And so with you and me, my friend, and so it is with all

The very best of life and love, with ripeness is a fall;

For out of lush experience we garner precious wine,

And wisdom comes of ripened days and memories divine.

Service's use of alliteration in the first and fourth lines of this stanza gives the poem a musical quality, drawing the reader in and making the message even more compelling. The idea of "precious wine" is particularly poignant, suggesting that the experiences we have in life are valuable and should be savored.

In the final stanza, Service brings the poem to a close with a powerful message:

It's later than you think, my friend, it's later than you know

The morning star is up and the tide is low

The cockerel's crow has ceased to flow.

Here, Service drives home the central message of the poem: time is running out. The use of the cockerel's crow adds a sense of finality, reminding us that life is finite, and we must make the most of it.

Overall, "Ripeness" is a stunning piece of poetry that captures the beauty and fragility of life. Service's use of metaphor and imagery is masterful, and his message is both simple and profound. This is a poem that will resonate with readers of all ages, inspiring them to appreciate every moment of their lives.

If you're looking for a poem that will move you and inspire you, look no further than Robert Service's "Ripeness."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has the power to evoke emotions, inspire, and move people. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Ripeness" by Robert Service. This poem is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that explores the theme of aging and the inevitability of death. In this article, we will take a closer look at "Ripeness" and analyze its meaning and significance.

First, let's take a look at the poem itself. "Ripeness" is a short poem consisting of only four stanzas, each with four lines. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, with no complex metaphors or symbolism. However, despite its simplicity, the poem is incredibly powerful and thought-provoking.

The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece. It reads:

"It's all in the state of mind," I said, And now my mind is old; All in sourness and bitterness, And a hatred of the cold.

This stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem by introducing the theme of aging and the changes that come with it. The speaker acknowledges that their mind is now old, and they are filled with bitterness and hatred towards the cold. This bitterness and hatred can be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's attitude towards life and the inevitability of death.

The second stanza of the poem continues to explore the theme of aging and the changes that come with it. It reads:

My body is still young and strong, But my soul is tired and worn; It's all in the state of mind, I said, And now my mind is torn.

This stanza is particularly powerful because it highlights the disconnect between the speaker's body and soul. While their body may still be young and strong, their soul is tired and worn. This disconnect can be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's struggle to come to terms with their mortality.

The third stanza of the poem takes a slightly different turn and explores the theme of regret. It reads:

I wish that I had lived my life With more laughter and less tears; It's all in the state of mind, I said, And now my mind is fears.

This stanza is particularly poignant because it highlights the speaker's regret for not living their life to the fullest. They wish they had laughed more and cried less, but now their mind is filled with fears. This regret can be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's fear of death and the unknown.

The final stanza of the poem brings everything together and provides a powerful conclusion. It reads:

So let us live our lives with joy, And let us laugh and sing; For it's all in the state of mind, my friend, And death is just a thing.

This stanza is incredibly powerful because it provides a solution to the themes explored throughout the poem. The speaker encourages us to live our lives with joy, to laugh and sing, and to remember that death is just a thing. This final stanza can be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's acceptance of their mortality and their desire to live their life to the fullest.

In conclusion, "Ripeness" by Robert Service is a beautiful and powerful poem that explores the themes of aging, regret, and mortality. The poem is written in a simple and straightforward style, but it is incredibly thought-provoking and moving. The poem encourages us to live our lives with joy, to laugh and sing, and to remember that death is just a thing. This poem is a reminder that life is short, and we should make the most of every moment.

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