'Old Boy Scout' by Robert Service
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Lyrics of a Low BrowA bonny bird I found today
Mired in a melt of tar;
Its silky breast was silver-grey,
Its wings were cinnabar.
So still it lay right in the way
Of every passing car.Yet as I gently sought to pry
It loose, it glared at me;
You would have thought its foe was I,
It pecked so viciously;
So fiercely fought, as soft I sought
From death to set it free.Its pinions pitifully frail
I wrested from the muck;
I feared the feathers of its tail
Would never come unstuck.
. . . The jewel-bright it flashed in flight -
Oh how I wished it luck!With happiness my heart was light,
Tosee how fair it flew;
To do my good deed I delight,
As grey-haired scouts should do;
Yet oh my bright reward's to write
This simple rhyme for you!
Editor 1 Interpretation
Old Boy Scout: A Masterpiece by Robert Service
Are you looking for a poem that captures the essence of youth, adventure, and the wilderness? Look no further than Robert Service's "Old Boy Scout." This classic poem, first published in 1940, conjures up images of a simpler time and the beauty of nature. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of "Old Boy Scout" to uncover its deeper meanings.
The Themes of Youth and Adventure
At its core, "Old Boy Scout" celebrates the joys of youth and the thrill of adventure. The poem's narrator reminisces about his days as a boy scout and the excitement of exploring the wilderness. He describes the thrill of hiking through the mountains and sleeping under the stars. The poem's opening lines set the tone:
Oh, the lure of the trail is tugging at my heart,
And my weary old legs are stiff and slow to start;
I am buckling on my pack, I am settling my load,
On the old long trail, Boy Scout, leading Westward Ho!
From the very beginning, we feel the pull of the wild and the desire to explore. The poem's narrator longs for the freedom and adventure of his youth, and he uses his memories of the boy scout to transport us to a simpler time.
The Structure of the Poem
"Old Boy Scout" is a narrative poem that tells a story. It is divided into six stanzas, each with four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, and the meter is mostly iambic tetrameter (four stressed syllables followed by four unstressed syllables). The poem's structure is simple and straightforward, which reflects the narrator's desire for simplicity and a return to his youth. The repetition of the phrase "On the old long trail, Boy Scout" at the end of each stanza reinforces the idea of a journey, both physical and emotional.
The Language and Imagery of the Poem
Service's use of language and imagery is masterful in "Old Boy Scout." He sets the scene with vivid descriptions of the natural world:
I can smell the spruce and see the silver gleam
Of the rivers plunging down where the mountain valleys teem;
I can feel the sting of sleet, I can taste the tang of snow,
On the old long trail, Boy Scout, sauntering to and fro.
Through his words, we can feel the sting of the cold and the rush of the rivers. We can see the mountains and valleys stretching out before us. Service's use of sensory details immerses us in the world of the poem and makes us feel as though we are right there with the narrator.
In addition to its sensory details, "Old Boy Scout" also contains powerful symbols and metaphors. For example, the narrator compares himself to a packhorse:
I am just a packhorse, I am just a crude machine,
But the Master of the trail, He is walking with the scene;
And the breath of God is in me, and the glory of the sky,
On the old long trail, Boy Scout, marching till I die.
Through this metaphor, Service suggests that the narrator is just one small part of a larger journey. He is a mere machine, but the true power and beauty of the trail come from the divine presence of the Master of the trail and the breath of God. This metaphor reinforces the idea that the journey is both physical and spiritual.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Old Boy Scout" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the themes of youth, adventure, and the beauty of nature. Through its simple structure, vivid language, and powerful symbols, Service transports us to a simpler time and captures the essence of the boy scout's spirit. The poem reminds us of the power of the natural world and the importance of our connection to it. It is a true gem of literary history, and a must-read for anyone who loves poetry, the wilderness, and the spirit of adventure.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to transport us to different times and places, to evoke emotions and memories, and to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. One such poem that has stood the test of time is "Old Boy Scout" by Robert Service. This classic poem, written in 1930, tells the story of a man who reflects on his youth as a Boy Scout and the lessons he learned that stayed with him throughout his life.
The poem begins with the speaker reminiscing about his days as a Boy Scout, when he was "young and gay and easy." He remembers the thrill of camping in the woods, singing around the campfire, and exploring the great outdoors. He also recalls the lessons he learned from his Scoutmaster, who taught him to be brave, loyal, and true.
The speaker then reflects on how those lessons have stayed with him over the years, even as he has grown older and faced new challenges. He remembers how he used his Scout training to survive in the trenches of World War I, and how he relied on his Scout values to guide him through the ups and downs of life.
Throughout the poem, Service uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey the speaker's emotions and experiences. For example, he describes the Boy Scout as a "knight of the woods," evoking the image of a brave and chivalrous hero. He also compares the Scout's oath to a "golden chain," symbolizing the unbreakable bond of loyalty and honor.
One of the most striking aspects of "Old Boy Scout" is its timeless message. Although the poem was written nearly a century ago, its themes of courage, loyalty, and perseverance are just as relevant today as they were then. In a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain, the poem reminds us of the importance of staying true to our values and standing up for what we believe in.
Another notable feature of the poem is its use of rhyme and rhythm. Service was known for his skillful use of these poetic devices, and "Old Boy Scout" is no exception. The poem's AABB rhyme scheme and iambic tetrameter meter give it a musical quality that makes it easy to read and remember.
Overall, "Old Boy Scout" is a powerful and inspiring poem that celebrates the virtues of courage, loyalty, and perseverance. Through its vivid imagery, timeless message, and skillful use of poetic devices, it has become a classic of English literature that continues to resonate with readers of all ages. Whether you are a former Boy Scout yourself or simply someone who values honor and integrity, this poem is sure to touch your heart and inspire you to be the best version of yourself.
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