'Pullman Porter' by Robert Service

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Songs of a Sun-LoverThe porter in the Pullman car
Was charming, as they sometimes are.
He scanned my baggage tags: "Are you
The man who wrote of Lady Lou?"
When I said "yes" he made a fuss -
Oh, he was most assiduous;
And I was pleased to think that he
Enjoyed my brand of poetry.He was forever at my call,
So when we got to Montreal
And he had brushed me off, I said:
"I'm glad my poems you have read.
I feel quite flattered, I confess,
And if you give me your address
I'll send you (autographed, of course)
One of my little books of verse."He smiled - his teeth were white as milk;
He spoke - his voice was soft as silk.
I recognized, depite his skin,
The perfect gentleman within.
Then courteously he made reply:
"I thank you kindly, Sir, but I
With many other cherished tome
Have all your books of verse at home."When I was quite a little boy
I used to savour them with joy;
And now my daughter, aged three,
Can tell the tale of Sam McGee;
While Tom, my son, that's only two
Has heard the yarn of Dan McGrew. . . .
Don't think your stuff I'm not applaudin' -

Editor 1 Interpretation

Unpacking the Layers of Robert Service's "Pullman Porter"

As a celebrated poet and writer, Robert Service has left an indelible mark on the literary world. His works, which often explore themes of adventure, love, and self-discovery, have resonated with readers for decades. One such poem that stands out and leaves a lasting impression is "Pullman Porter."

At first glance, the poem appears to be a simple tribute to the hard-working, often overlooked Pullman porters who serve train passengers across the United States. However, upon closer inspection, the poem reveals several layers that speak to larger themes and issues.

On the Surface: A Tribute to Pullman Porters

On the surface, "Pullman Porter" is a tribute to the hardworking men who served as porters on the Pullman cars, a type of luxury train car that was popular in the early 20th century. The poem begins by describing the porters as "Grimy men with picks and shovels/Who toil from dawn to dark" (1-2). The grimy appearance of the porters is contrasted with the luxury and elegance of the Pullman cars, which are described as "Silken cushions, sleek and sable" (3).

Despite the hard work and long hours, the porters are shown to take pride in their work. They are described as "Proud, because they are the makers/Of a palace on the rails" (5-6). The poem also acknowledges the challenges and difficulties that the porters faced. They are shown to be "Battling with the snow and sleet" (13) and "Wrestling with the drunken rabble" (15). Despite these challenges, the porters are shown to be dedicated to their work and committed to providing excellent service to their passengers.

Overall, the poem paints a picture of hardworking men who take pride in their work and are committed to providing excellent service to their passengers. The poem is a tribute to their dedication and hard work, and the role that they played in the early 20th century transportation industry.

Beneath the Surface: A Commentary on Race and Class

While "Pullman Porter" is a tribute to the hardworking porters, the poem also speaks to larger themes and issues, particularly around race and class. During the early 20th century, Pullman porters were primarily African American, and the job was one of the few employment opportunities available to them at the time. As a result, the job was seen as prestigious within the African American community, and the porters were respected and admired for their hard work and dedication.

However, despite their dedication and hard work, the porters were still subject to racism and discrimination. They were required to address white passengers as "sir" or "ma'am," regardless of the passengers' age or social status, and were not allowed to eat in the dining car or use the same restroom facilities as white passengers. These restrictions were enforced by the Pullman Company, which saw the porters as subservient to the white passengers.

The poem acknowledges these issues and challenges. The line "Wrestling with the drunken rabble" (15) speaks to the difficulties that the porters faced in dealing with unruly and often racist passengers. The line "Kept in place by bar and picket" (18) speaks to the restrictions and limitations that the porters faced within the Pullman Company.

Despite these challenges, the poem celebrates the porters and their contributions to the transportation industry. It highlights their hard work, dedication, and pride in their work, and acknowledges the role that they played in breaking down racial barriers and challenging stereotypes.

Interpreting the Poem: A Call to Action

At its core, "Pullman Porter" is a call to action. It encourages readers to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the porters, and to acknowledge the challenges and issues that they faced. It also challenges readers to think about their own biases and prejudices, and to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

The line "Proud, because they are the makers/Of a palace on the rails" (5-6) speaks not only to the porters' pride in their work, but also to the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of all workers, regardless of their race or social status. The line "Battling with the snow and sleet" (13) speaks to the challenges that all workers face, and the importance of recognizing and supporting their efforts.

Overall, "Pullman Porter" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that speaks to larger themes and issues, and challenges readers to think critically about the world around them. It is a tribute to the hardworking porters who played a vital role in the transportation industry, and a call to action for readers to recognize and celebrate the contributions of all workers.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Pullman Porter: A Masterpiece of Robert Service

Robert Service, the renowned poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his exceptional works. Among his many masterpieces, Poetry Pullman Porter stands out as a shining example of his poetic prowess. This poem, written in 1910, is a tribute to the Pullman porters, who were African American men working on the luxurious Pullman trains in the United States. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, highlighting its themes, literary devices, and historical context.

The poem begins with a vivid description of the Pullman porter, who is "a dusky fellow" with "a smile of shining teeth." The poet portrays him as a man of great dignity and pride, who takes his job seriously and performs it with utmost dedication. The porter's uniform, which is "a coat of navy blue," and his cap, which is "a badge of service true," symbolize his loyalty and commitment to his work.

The poet then goes on to describe the porter's duties, which include "making up the berths" and "serving meals with grace." These tasks may seem mundane, but the poet elevates them to a higher level by portraying them as acts of service and hospitality. The porter's job is not just to provide a comfortable journey for the passengers but also to make them feel welcome and valued.

The poem's central theme is the dignity of labor, and the poet celebrates the porter's work as a noble profession. He writes, "He's more than just a porter, he's a friend in need indeed." The porter's job is not just about carrying luggage or serving meals; it's about building relationships and creating a sense of community on the train. The poet recognizes the importance of this role and pays tribute to the porters for their service.

The poem also touches upon the issue of racial discrimination, which was prevalent in the United States during the early 20th century. The Pullman porters were African American men, and they faced many challenges and hardships in their job. They were subjected to racial slurs and insults, and their work was often undervalued and underpaid. The poet acknowledges this injustice and writes, "He's got a heart that's human, and a soul that's black as coal." The porter's race does not define him; he is a human being with emotions and aspirations like anyone else.

The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, with four stanzas of four lines each. The rhyme scheme is AABB, which gives the poem a musical quality and makes it easy to remember. The language is simple and accessible, with no complex metaphors or obscure references. The poet uses repetition to emphasize the porter's role, with the phrase "Poetry Pullman Porter" appearing twice in the poem.

The poem's tone is celebratory and enthusiastic, with the poet expressing his admiration and respect for the Pullman porters. He writes, "He's a credit to his color, and the human race as well." The poet's use of the word "credit" implies that the porter's work is valuable and worthy of recognition. The poem is a tribute to the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly to make the Pullman trains a symbol of luxury and comfort.

In conclusion, Poetry Pullman Porter is a masterpiece of Robert Service, which celebrates the dignity of labor and pays tribute to the Pullman porters. The poem's themes of service, hospitality, and racial equality are as relevant today as they were a century ago. The poet's use of simple language, repetition, and rhyme scheme makes the poem accessible and memorable. The poem is a reminder that every job, no matter how humble, has the potential to be a source of pride and dignity.

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