L'Envoi by Robert W. Service (1907)
The poem addresses those who have endured the harsh realities of life in a challenging and unforgiving environment. It acknowledges the struggles and resilience of individuals who have ventured into the wilderness, often facing suffering and hardship. The speaker reflects on the bittersweet nature of their experiences, recognizing that joy is scarce and that the tales sung are filled with human suffering. The work emphasizes the relentless pursuit of dreams and the inherent struggles that accompany such endeavors. It portrays the harshness of the land, suggesting that despite the allure of adventure and success, the journey is fraught with challenges. The imagery evokes a sense of longing and the idea that even victories can feel hollow, as the pursuit itself can lead to disillusionment. The speaker expresses a deep connection to the audience, acknowledging their shared experiences and the pain that comes with striving for something greater. The tone is both somber and reflective, capturing the essence of human resilience in the face of adversity. The poem serves as a tribute to those who have faced the trials of life head-on, urging them to find understanding and solace in their shared struggles.
By Robert W. Service · First published 1907 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Adventure · 275 words
First lines
You who have lived in the Land, You who have trusted the trail; You who are strong to withstand, You who are swift to assail; Songs have I sung to beguile, Vintage of desperate years Hard as a harlot's smile, Bitter as unshed tears.
Little of joy or mirth, Little of ease I sing; Sagas of men of earth, Humanly suffering, Such as you all have done; Savagely faring forth, Sons of the midnight sun, Argonauts of the North.
Far in the land God forgot Glimmers the lure of your trail; Still in your lust are you taught Even to win is to fail.
Still must you follow and fight Under the vampire wing; There in the long, long night Hoping and vanquishing.
What this Textopian page supports
L'Envoi is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert W. Service, dated 1907 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Robert W. Service
- Date: 1907 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Adventure, Nature Writing, Historical Fiction
- Length: 275 words
- Structure: 1 section, 5 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for L'Envoi by Robert W. Service
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, focusing on themes of human suffering and resilience.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore deep human experiences and emotions, reflecting on the struggles of individuals in harsh environments.
- Adventure — The content references exploration and the challenges faced by individuals in the wilderness, indicative of an adventurous spirit.
- Nature Writing — The poem evokes strong imagery of the natural world and the harshness of the environment, highlighting the relationship between humans and nature.
Tags
Poetry · Literary Fiction · Canadian Literature · Classic Novel · Adventure Story · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Mystery · Thriller · Romance · Historical Fiction · Social Commentary