'My Typewriter' by Robert Service
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Songs of a Sun-LoverI used to think a pot of ink
Held magic in its fluid,
And I would ply a pen when I
Was hoary a a Druid;
But as I scratch my silver thatch
My battered old Corona
Calls out to me as plaintively
As dying Desdemona."For old time's sake give me a break:
To you I've been as loyal
As ever could an Underwood,
Or Remington or Royal.
The globe we've spanned together and
Two million words, maybe,
For you I've tapped - it's time you rapped
A rhyme or two for me."I've seen you sit and smoke and spit
With expletives profane,
Then tear with rage the virgin page
I tendered you in vain.
I've watched you glare in dull despair
Through hours of brooding thought,
Then with a shout bang gaily out
The 'word unique' you sought."I've heard you groan and grunt and moan
That rhyme's a wretched fetter;
That after all you're just a small
Fat-headed verse-begetter;
You'd balance me upon your knee
Like any lady friend,
Then with a sigh you'd lay me by
For weeks and weeks on end."I've known when you were mighty blue
And hammered me till dawn,
Dire poverty! But I would be
The last thing you would pawn.
Days debt-accurst! Then at its worst
The sky, behold, would clear;
A poem sold, the garret cold
Would leap to light and cheer."You've toted me by shore and sea
From Mexico to Maine;
From Old Cathay to Mandalay,
From Samarkand to Spain.
You've thumped me in the battle's din
And pounded me in peace;
By air and land you've lugged me and
Your shabby old valise."But now my keys no more with ease
To your
Editor 1 Interpretation
My Typewriter: A Masterful Ode to the Art of Writing
As a literary critic, I have had the privilege of analyzing some of the greatest works in the English language. But every now and then, I come across a masterpiece that truly takes my breath away. Robert Service’s “My Typewriter” is one such work. This poem is not just an ode to the art of writing, but a celebration of the power of language and the human imagination.
First published in 1934, “My Typewriter” is a poem that captures the essence of Service’s creative process. It is not just a description of his writing tool, but an exploration of the relationship between the writer and the written word. Service uses vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and a playful tone to convey his love for his typewriter and the craft of writing.
A Love Letter to the Typewriter
The poem opens with the speaker proclaiming his love for his typewriter. He describes it as a “faithful friend,” an object that has been with him through thick and thin. The language here is intimate and personal, as if the typewriter were a living being. The speaker talks about how he has “petted” and “caressed” it, and how it has “purrs and chuckles” in response.
But the typewriter is more than just a machine to the speaker. It is a tool that allows him to unleash his creativity and bring his ideas to life. He says that it is “the key to all the world,” a statement that highlights the power of writing to transcend boundaries and connect people across time and space. The typewriter is not just a tool, but a gateway to new worlds of imagination.
The Joy of Creation
The poem then shifts to the creative process itself. Service vividly describes how the words flow from his mind to his fingers, and how the typewriter “clicks and clatters” as he types. Here, he uses metaphorical language to convey the joy of creation. He says that his “thoughts are birds that beat their wings,” and that the typewriter is “a spur to all my dreaming.”
The idea of writing as a form of flight or escape is a common one in literature, but Service brings a fresh perspective to it. The image of birds beating their wings suggests not just freedom, but also effort and energy. The speaker is not just escaping from reality, but actively creating something new and beautiful.
The Power of Language
As the poem progresses, Service explores the power of language to inspire and move people. He says that his typewriter is “a trumpet that calls to the soul,” and that his words are “a sword that cuts to the bone.” Here, he uses two powerful metaphors to convey the impact of his writing.
The trumpet is a symbol of inspiration and motivation. It is a call to action, a reminder that there is beauty and meaning in the world. The sword, on the other hand, is a symbol of truth and justice. It cuts through lies and deception to reveal the raw truth of human experience. Together, these two metaphors suggest that writing is not just a form of entertainment or diversion, but a force for change and transformation.
A Celebration of the Writer’s Craft
In the final stanza, Service celebrates the craft of writing itself. He says that “there is no art to compare” to the act of creation, and that “the world is a canvas” waiting to be painted with words. Here, he uses a series of metaphors to convey the infinite possibilities of writing.
The idea of the world as a canvas suggests not just beauty and creativity, but also the idea of a blank slate waiting to be filled. The writer is not just creating something new, but shaping the world around them. And in doing so, they become a part of something larger than themselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, “My Typewriter” is a masterful ode to the art of writing. Robert Service uses vivid imagery, metaphorical language, and a playful tone to convey his love for his typewriter and the craft of writing. He explores the relationship between the writer and the written word, and celebrates the power of language to inspire and move people. This poem is not just a description of a tool or a process, but a celebration of the human imagination and the infinite possibilities of creation.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry My Typewriter: A Classic Ode to the Written Word
Robert Service’s “Poetry My Typewriter” is a timeless ode to the power of the written word. Written in 1935, the poem captures the essence of the writer’s craft and the magic of the typewriter as a tool for creative expression. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem, and examine why it continues to resonate with readers today.
The poem begins with the speaker’s declaration of love for his typewriter, which he describes as his “faithful friend”. The typewriter is personified as a living being, with its “fingers” and “heart” that “beat in tune”. This anthropomorphism creates a sense of intimacy between the writer and his tool, and suggests that the typewriter is more than just a machine – it is a partner in the creative process.
The speaker goes on to describe the typewriter as a “magic wand” that can transform his thoughts into words. This metaphorical language reinforces the idea that writing is a form of magic, and that the typewriter is the writer’s tool of choice for casting spells with words. The use of the word “wand” also suggests that the writer is a magician, with the power to conjure up images and ideas from his imagination.
The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker reflects on the nature of his craft. He describes himself as a “slave” to his muse, and acknowledges that writing can be a difficult and painful process. The line “I’ve sweated blood to make you sing” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the writer has sacrificed a great deal to create his art. This line also reinforces the idea that writing is not just a job, but a calling – something that the writer is compelled to do, no matter the cost.
The next stanza of the poem is perhaps the most famous, as it contains the iconic line “I’ve sold my soul to ink”. This line has become a mantra for writers everywhere, as it encapsulates the idea that writing is a deeply personal and emotional experience. The use of the word “soul” suggests that writing is not just a job or a hobby, but a fundamental part of the writer’s identity. The word “ink” also has a symbolic significance, as it represents the writer’s ability to create something out of nothing – to give form to his thoughts and feelings.
The poem then returns to the theme of the typewriter as a tool for creative expression. The speaker describes the typewriter as a “silver steed” that can carry him to new heights of inspiration. This metaphorical language reinforces the idea that writing is a journey, and that the typewriter is the writer’s trusty companion on that journey. The use of the word “silver” also suggests that the typewriter is a precious object, something to be treasured and cared for.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant, as the speaker reflects on the legacy of his work. He acknowledges that his words may not live on forever, but he takes comfort in the fact that they have been written down. The line “I’ve left my imprint on the page” is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the writer has made a mark on the world – even if that mark is only in the form of words on a page. This line also reinforces the idea that writing is a form of immortality, as the writer’s words can live on long after he is gone.
In terms of language, Service’s use of metaphor and personification is particularly effective in creating a sense of intimacy between the writer and his typewriter. The use of the word “magic” also reinforces the idea that writing is a form of alchemy, and that the writer has the power to transform his thoughts into something tangible. The repetition of the phrase “I’ve” also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, as the poem builds towards its emotional conclusion.
In terms of themes, “Poetry My Typewriter” explores the nature of the writer’s craft, the power of the written word, and the relationship between the writer and his tool. The poem also touches on the idea of legacy, and the importance of leaving a mark on the world. These themes are timeless and universal, and continue to resonate with readers today.
In conclusion, Robert Service’s “Poetry My Typewriter” is a classic ode to the power of the written word. Through its use of metaphor and personification, the poem creates a sense of intimacy between the writer and his tool, and reinforces the idea that writing is a form of magic. The poem also explores the nature of the writer’s craft, and the importance of leaving a mark on the world. Overall, “Poetry My Typewriter” is a timeless reminder of the power of words, and the importance of creative expression.
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