'Two Blind Men' by Robert Service


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Lyrics of a Low BrowTwo blind men met. Said one: "This earth
Has been a blackout from my birth.
Through darkness I have groped my way,
Forlorn, unknowing night from day.
But you - though War destroyed your sight,
Still have your memories of Light,
And to allay your present pain
Can live your golden youth again."Then said the second: "Aye, it's true,
It must seem magical to you
To know the shape of things that are,
A women's lips, a rose, a star.
But therein lies the hell of it;
Better my eyes had never lit
to love of bluebells in a wood,
Or daffodils in dancing mood."You do not know what you have lost,
But I, alas! can count the cost -
Than memories that goad and gall,
Far better not to see at all.
And as for love, you know it not,
For pity is our sorry lot.
So there you see my point of view:
'Tis I, my friend, who envy you.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Two Blind Men: A Masterpiece of Sensory Imagery

Robert Service's poem, "Two Blind Men," is a masterpiece of sensory imagery, exploring the experience of blindness and the power of imagination. Through vivid descriptions and powerful metaphors, Service brings to life the world of the two blind men, inviting readers to share in their journey of discovery and wonder.

At its core, "Two Blind Men" is a poem about the power of imagination. Service uses the two blind men as a lens through which to explore the idea that sight is not the only way to experience the world. He shows how the imagination can be just as vivid, just as real, and just as transformative as the physical senses. This is a theme that runs throughout Service's work, but in "Two Blind Men," he takes it to new heights, creating a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving.

The poem begins with a description of the two blind men, who are sitting by the side of the road, begging for alms. Service describes their physical appearance in great detail, using vivid, sensory language that allows the reader to see and feel what the men are experiencing:

Two blind men met. Said one: "This earth
Has been a blackout from my birth.
Through darkness I have groped my way,
Forlorn, unknowing night from day.
But you - though War destroyed your sight,
Still have your memories of Light,
And to allay your present pain
Can live your golden youth again."

The other said: "Your words are kind,
But I am blind, and always blind.
What I have lost I never knew,
So I have not a grief like you.
Your glories I could never share,
So do not think that I despair."

Here, Service sets the stage for the rest of the poem, introducing the two men and highlighting their different perspectives on blindness. The first man has memories of light and can imagine what it was like to see, while the second man has never experienced sight and therefore cannot miss it. This contrast sets up the central conflict of the poem: the tension between memory and imagination, between what once was and what could be.

As the poem continues, Service takes the reader on a journey through the world of the two blind men, using rich sensory imagery to bring it to life. He describes the smells and sounds of the countryside, the feel of the wind on their faces, and the taste of fresh water from a stream. This sensory detail is crucial to the poem's success, as it allows the reader to experience the world as the blind men do, using their other senses to create a vivid picture of their surroundings.

One of the most striking images in the poem comes when the two men hear a cricket chirping in the grass. Service describes the sound of the cricket with such precision that the reader can almost hear it too:

A cricket, singing in the grass,
Filled all the void where visions pass.
He sang of sunshine and of shade,
Of all the joys that Nature made,
And while he carolled clear and loud
The blind men saw a summer cloud.

Here, Service shows the power of the imagination to create something out of nothing. The cricket's song becomes a window into a world of light and color, allowing the blind men to see something they could never experience otherwise. It's a beautiful moment, full of hope and wonder, and it sets the stage for the poem's climax.

As the poem reaches its end, the two blind men come to a crossroads. They must decide whether to continue on their own, relying on their imagination and senses, or to ask for help from a passerby. Service leaves the decision up to the reader, asking us to consider what we would do in their situation. Would we trust in our own abilities, or would we seek assistance from others?

Ultimately, "Two Blind Men" is a poem about the human spirit and its ability to overcome adversity. Service shows how even in the darkest of circumstances, there is hope and beauty to be found. He reminds us that imagination and memory are powerful tools, capable of transporting us to places we never thought possible. Through his masterful use of sensory imagery and metaphor, Service creates a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving, leaving a lasting impression on all who read it.

In conclusion, "Two Blind Men" is a masterpiece of sensory imagery and a testament to the power of the human spirit. Robert Service's skillful use of language and metaphor creates a world that is both vivid and unforgettable, inviting readers to step into the shoes of the two blind men and experience the world as they do. It's a poem that challenges our assumptions about blindness and reminds us that there is always hope, even in the darkest of circumstances. If you haven't read it already, I highly recommend giving "Two Blind Men" a try – it's a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Two Blind Men" by Robert Service. This classic poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of human struggle, perseverance, and hope. In this analysis, we will delve deep into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices to understand why it has become a timeless classic.

The poem "Two Blind Men" tells the story of two blind men who are begging on the street. They are old, frail, and destitute, but they have not lost their spirit. They are still hopeful and optimistic, despite their circumstances. The poem begins with the description of the two blind men, "Two blind men met. Said one: 'This earth/ Has been a blackout from my birth./ Through darkness I have groped my way,/ Forlorn, unknowing night from day." The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the poem. The reader is immediately drawn into the world of the blind men, and their plight becomes the focus of the poem.

The poem is written in quatrains, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. This structure gives the poem a musical quality, and the rhythm of the poem adds to its emotional impact. The poem's simplicity and directness make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds. The poem's structure also mirrors the lives of the two blind men, who are living a simple and straightforward life.

The poem's central theme is the power of hope and perseverance. The two blind men are facing immense challenges, but they have not given up. They are still trying to make a living, and they are still hopeful that things will get better. The poem's message is that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. The poem's title, "Two Blind Men," is a metaphor for the human condition. We are all blind in some way, and we all face challenges in life. The poem reminds us that we can overcome these challenges if we have hope and perseverance.

The poem's language is simple and direct, but it is also powerful. The use of imagery and metaphors adds depth and meaning to the poem. For example, the line "This earth has been a blackout from my birth" is a powerful metaphor for the blind man's life. He has never seen the light, and he has always been in the dark. The line "Forlorn, unknowing night from day" is another powerful metaphor that captures the blind man's sense of isolation and despair.

The poem's use of repetition is also effective. The line "Two blind men met" is repeated throughout the poem, and it serves as a reminder of the two men's shared experience. The repetition of this line also emphasizes the poem's central theme of hope and perseverance. Despite their challenges, the two men have found each other, and they are not alone.

The poem's ending is both poignant and uplifting. The two blind men are still begging on the street, but they are no longer alone. They have found each other, and they have formed a bond. The final lines of the poem are "And so together they will fare,/ And each will be the other's care./ Then let us on our way rejoin,/ Thankful for blessings of our own." These lines remind us that we should be grateful for what we have, and we should never take our blessings for granted.

In conclusion, "Two Blind Men" is a timeless classic that captures the essence of the human spirit. The poem's central theme of hope and perseverance is as relevant today as it was when the poem was first written. The poem's structure, language, and use of literary devices make it a powerful and emotional work of art. The poem reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and we should never give up.

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