'A Busy Man' by Robert Service
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Lyrics of a Low BrowThis crowded life of God's good giving
No man has relished more than I;
I've been so goldarned busy living
I've never had the time to die.
So busy fishing, hunting, roving,
Up on my toes and fighting fit;
So busy singing, laughing, loving,
I've never had the time to quit.I've never been one for thinking
I've always been the action guy;
I've done my share of feasting, drinking,
And lots of wenching on the sly.
What all the blasted cosmic show meant,
I've never tried to understand;
I've always lived just for the moment,
And done the thing that came to hand.And now I'll toddle to the garden
And light a good old Henry Clay.
I'm ninety odd, so Lord, please pardon
My frequent lapses by the way.
I'm getting tired; the sunset lingers;
The evening star serenes the sky;
The damn cigar burns to my fingers . . .
I guess . . . I'll take . . . time off . . .
Editor 1 Interpretation
Introduction
Oh boy, am I excited to dive into one of my favorite poems of all time - Robert Service's "A Busy Man." This poem has always had a special place in my heart because of its relatable theme and the beautiful language used to convey it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I aim to explore the various elements that make this poem a classic and the message that it conveys to its readers.
Background
Before we jump into the poem, let's take a moment to understand who Robert Service was and what his writing style was like. Robert Service was a British-Canadian poet and writer who lived from 1874-1958. He was known for his narrative poetry that often depicted the lives of working-class people, adventurers, and soldiers. Service's writing style was simple and direct, making his poems accessible to a wide range of readers. His poems were also known for their strong rhythms and rhymes, which made them easy to memorize and recite.
Literary Criticism
Now let's take a closer look at the poem itself. "A Busy Man" is a poem that explores the theme of time and how we spend it. The poem opens with the lines, "I'm just a busy man like many another,/Playin' the game, workin' with might and main," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is a busy man, just like many others, who is caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The first stanza of the poem goes on to describe the various tasks that the speaker is busy with. He's plowing his fields, chopping wood, and taking care of his animals. These tasks are all very physical and require a lot of hard work, which is emphasized by the use of words like "sweat" and "strain." The second stanza, however, takes a slightly different turn. The speaker describes how he's also busy with his mind, constantly thinking and worrying about the future.
This theme of time and how we spend it is further explored in the third stanza. The speaker acknowledges that time is a precious commodity and that we must use it wisely. He says, "Time is a-wastin', and I can't stay," which is a reminder to himself and the reader that time is constantly slipping away. The fourth stanza takes a more introspective turn, as the speaker reflects on his own mortality. He says, "I've got to go, and where I do not know," which is a reminder that we are all mortal and that our time on this earth is limited.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker acknowledges that there's more to life than just being busy. He says, "Sure I'm a busy man, but I'm not blind,/I know that life's a gift that's meant to be kind." This line is a reminder that life is a precious gift, and that we should take the time to appreciate it. The poem ends with the speaker saying, "I'm just a busy man, but I've got a heart," which is a reminder that even though we may be busy with our daily tasks, we should never forget the importance of love and compassion.
Interpretation
So what is the message that Robert Service is trying to convey through this poem? At its core, "A Busy Man" is a reminder that time is a precious commodity and that we should use it wisely. The speaker is a busy man who is caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but he also acknowledges that there's more to life than just being busy. He reminds us that life is a gift, and that we should take the time to appreciate it.
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality. The speaker acknowledges that he's not going to be around forever, and that he doesn't know where he's going when he dies. This is a reminder that our time on this earth is limited, and that we should make the most of it while we can.
Finally, the poem is a reminder that even though we may be busy with our daily tasks, we should never forget the importance of love and compassion. The speaker acknowledges that he may be a busy man, but he has a heart. This is a reminder that even though we may be caught up in our own lives, we should always take the time to show love and kindness to others.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Busy Man" is a classic poem that explores the theme of time and how we spend it. The poem is a reminder that life is a precious gift, and that we should use our time wisely. It's also a reminder that our time on this earth is limited, and that we should make the most of it while we can. Finally, the poem is a reminder that even though we may be busy with our daily tasks, we should never forget the importance of love and compassion. Robert Service's beautiful language and simple, direct style make "A Busy Man" a timeless classic that will continue to resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has the power to transport us to another world, to make us feel emotions we never thought possible, and to inspire us to be better versions of ourselves. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers is "A Busy Man" by Robert Service. This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of a busy man's life and the toll it takes on him. In this analysis, we will delve deeper into the poem's themes, structure, and literary devices to understand why it has become a classic.
The poem "A Busy Man" is a narrative poem that tells the story of a man who is constantly on the move, always busy with work and responsibilities. The poem opens with the line, "He had a job to do, and he did it well," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The man is described as being "lean and keen and grey of eye," which suggests that he is a hardworking and determined individual. The poem goes on to describe the man's daily routine, which involves waking up early, working long hours, and coming home late at night. Despite his busy schedule, the man is always focused on his work and never complains about the long hours.
One of the main themes of the poem is the toll that a busy life can take on a person. The man is described as being "haggard and worn and thin," which suggests that his busy schedule has taken a physical toll on him. The poem also suggests that the man's busy life has taken an emotional toll on him, as he is described as being "cold and stern and grim." This theme is relevant even today, as many people struggle to balance their work and personal lives, often sacrificing their health and happiness in the process.
Another theme of the poem is the importance of hard work and dedication. The man is described as being "lean and keen," which suggests that he is a hardworking and dedicated individual. The poem suggests that the man's success is a result of his hard work and dedication, as he is described as being "a man who knew his job." This theme is relevant even today, as hard work and dedication are still important qualities that are valued in the workplace.
The structure of the poem is also noteworthy. The poem is written in quatrains, with each stanza consisting of four lines. The rhyme scheme is ABAB, which gives the poem a musical quality. The use of rhyme also helps to emphasize certain words and phrases, such as "well" and "swell" in the first stanza. The poem also uses repetition, with the phrase "He had a job to do, and he did it well" appearing at the beginning of each stanza. This repetition helps to reinforce the theme of hard work and dedication.
The poem also uses several literary devices to convey its themes. One such device is imagery, which is used to describe the man's physical appearance and the world around him. For example, the man is described as being "haggard and worn and thin," which creates a vivid image of a tired and exhausted individual. The poem also uses metaphor, with the man's life being compared to a "grindstone" that wears him down. This metaphor helps to emphasize the theme of the toll that a busy life can take on a person.
Another literary device used in the poem is personification, with the man's job being described as a "tyrant" that rules his life. This personification helps to emphasize the theme of the importance of hard work and dedication, as the man is willing to sacrifice his personal life for his job. The poem also uses alliteration, with the phrase "cold and stern and grim" emphasizing the man's emotional state.
In conclusion, "A Busy Man" is a classic poem that continues to inspire readers today. The poem's themes of the toll that a busy life can take on a person and the importance of hard work and dedication are still relevant today. The poem's structure and use of literary devices help to convey these themes in a powerful and memorable way. Robert Service's "A Busy Man" is a masterpiece that will continue to be read and admired for generations to come.
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