'Comrades' by Robert Service


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Rhymes for My RagsThree Holies sat in sacred placeAnd quaffed celestial wine,
As they discussed the human raceWith dignity divine.
Said they: 'Although in doctrine weMay differ more or less,
In spirit stoutly we agreeReligion's a success.'Said One: 'I praise the pride of war,The Faith that mocks at fear;
Desire of death in battle forIt bringeth Heaven near.'
The Second said: ''Tis Peace I preach,And hate of human strife;
The sufferance of pain I teach,The sanctity of life.'Then said the Third: 'Love I proclaimThe goal of human good . . .
Yet are we not all three the sameIn holy brotherhood?'
And so they went forth hand in hand,Wending a starry way,--
Mohamet, gentle Buddha andHe of Gethsemenè.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Comrades by Robert Service: A Critical Interpretation

Are you tired of the mundane? Do you long for adventure, for travel, for the unknown? Then come, my friend, and delve into the world of Robert Service's poetry. In particular, let us examine the classic "Poetry, Comrades", an ode to the power of words and the magic of imagination.

The Structure of the Poem

At first glance, "Poetry, Comrades" appears simple enough. It consists of four verses, each composed of four lines. The rhyming pattern is regular, with every other line ending in a rhyme, creating an AABB pattern throughout. However, upon closer inspection, we notice a subtle shift in the rhyme scheme of the second and fourth lines in the second and fourth verses. This change indicates a shift in the mood and tone of the poem, as we shall see.

The Theme

The theme of "Poetry, Comrades" is, as the title suggests, poetry itself. More specifically, it is about the power of words to transport us to different worlds, to stimulate our imagination, and to inspire us to greatness. Service uses vivid images and metaphors to convey this theme, and in doing so, he reminds us of the potential that lies within us all.

Imagery and Metaphor

One of the most striking aspects of "Poetry, Comrades" is the use of vivid imagery and metaphor. From the outset, Service paints a picture of a world beyond our own, a world where anything is possible:

Oh it's pleasant dreaming here, my comrades,
In this famous old Café of ours,
Watching life's brief drama through the haze of our cigars,
Voluptuous vagabonds are we,
Rogues and rascals, all are we.

The image of the Café, a familiar and welcoming place, contrasts with the idea of the unknown, represented by the "haze of our cigars". This idea of the unknown is reinforced by the phrase "voluptuous vagabonds", which creates a sense of excitement and adventure.

Service continues to use vivid imagery throughout the poem, painting pictures of exotic lands and distant shores. He describes a land of "scarlet poppies", where "the blue sky grows to be a sea", and where "roses riot in a madness of perfume" (verse 2). These images are not only beautiful but also evocative, transporting the reader to a place beyond our own.

The metaphor of poetry as a ship is perhaps the most striking image in the poem. Service describes how poetry can take us on a journey, allowing us to explore new worlds and discover new horizons:

Poetry is the ship of fools,
But sprinkle holy water on her decks.
She'll weather any storm and safely land her cargo
In port, where every porter is a prince,
Every prince a porter.

The use of the ship metaphor is powerful because it conjures up images of adventure, danger, and exploration. It suggests that poetry can take us to places we never thought possible, and in doing so, it can transform us into something greater.

Tone and Mood

The shift in the rhyme scheme of the second and fourth lines in the second and fourth verses represents a shift in tone and mood. The first two verses are light and playful, with a sense of camaraderie and joy. The third verse, however, takes a darker turn:

And when we're done with life, my comrades,
And Death calls us to his abode,
We'll sail the seas no more, but lie contented in our bunks,
For we have loved the things we've loved, and we have played the game.

Here, Service acknowledges the inevitability of death and the transience of life. The tone becomes more reflective, and the mood more somber. This change in tone is significant because it reminds us that the power of poetry lies not only in its ability to transport us to new places but also in its ability to help us confront the difficult truths of life.

Conclusion

"Poetry, Comrades" is a poem that celebrates the power of words and the magic of imagination. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphor, Service reminds us of the potential that lies within us all. The poem is a call to adventure, a reminder that there is a world beyond our own, waiting to be explored. It is also a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of the time we have. In short, "Poetry, Comrades" is a masterpiece of literature, and one that deserves to be read and enjoyed by all.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Comrades: A Celebration of Poetry and Friendship

Robert Service, the renowned poet, once said, "A true friend is one who overlooks your failures and tolerates your success." This quote perfectly encapsulates the essence of his poem, Poetry Comrades. The poem is a celebration of the bond between two friends who share a love for poetry. It is a beautiful ode to the power of friendship and the magic of poetry.

The poem begins with the speaker describing his friend as a "poet of the heart." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the deep emotional connection that the two friends share. The speaker goes on to describe how his friend's poetry has the power to transport him to another world, a world of beauty and wonder. He says that his friend's poetry is like a "magic wand" that can "open doors to fairyland."

The speaker then describes how he and his friend would spend hours discussing poetry, sharing their favorite poems and analyzing their meanings. He says that they would "argue and agree" and that their conversations were always filled with "laughter and tears." This is a beautiful depiction of the bond between two friends who share a common passion. It shows how their love for poetry has brought them together and strengthened their friendship.

The poem then takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker reflects on his own poetry. He says that his friend has inspired him to write, and that he has "caught the flame" of poetry from him. He describes how his friend has helped him to find his own voice and to express his emotions through his poetry. This is a beautiful testament to the power of friendship, as it shows how one person can inspire another to achieve greatness.

The speaker then goes on to describe how he and his friend would read their poetry to each other, and how they would offer each other feedback and encouragement. He says that his friend's critiques were always honest and constructive, and that they helped him to improve his writing. This is another beautiful depiction of the bond between two friends who share a love for poetry. It shows how they support each other and help each other to grow as writers.

The poem ends with the speaker describing how he and his friend would sit together in silence, enjoying the beauty of nature and the magic of poetry. He says that they would "watch the stars and dream" and that they would feel "the pulse of life." This is a beautiful image of two friends who are completely at peace with each other and with the world around them. It shows how their love for poetry has brought them a sense of peace and contentment.

In conclusion, Poetry Comrades is a beautiful ode to the power of friendship and the magic of poetry. It shows how two friends who share a love for poetry can inspire each other, support each other, and grow together. It is a celebration of the deep emotional connection that can be forged through a shared passion, and it is a reminder of the beauty and wonder that can be found in the world around us. Robert Service has truly captured the essence of friendship and poetry in this timeless classic.

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