Premonition by Robert W. Service
The poem explores themes of love, loss, and the haunting nature of memory. It begins with a nostalgic recollection of a romantic evening under a bright moon, where the speaker walks with their beloved, enveloped in a serene atmosphere. However, this idyllic moment is abruptly shattered by a premonition of death, symbolized by the sudden dullness of the moon and the appearance of a grinning skull. Despite the initial shock, the speaker reassures themselves that it is merely a fantasy, as their love remains alive and well in their arms. Yet, the narrative shifts a year later, where the speaker finds themselves at a grave, reflecting on the profound sorrow of loss. The once bright moon now serves as a reminder of their grief, emphasizing the contrast between past joy and present despair. The poem encapsulates the inevitability of death and the lingering impact of love, illustrating how memories can haunt those left behind.
By Robert W. Service · First published 1910 · Genre: Poetry, Romantic, Gothic · 192 words
First lines
'Twas a year ago and the moon was bright (Oh, I remember so well, so well), I walked with my love in a sea of light, And the voice of my sweet was a silver bell.
And sudden the moon grew strangely dull, And sudden my love had taken wing; I looked on the face of a grinning skull, I strained to my heart a ghastly thing.
'Twas but fantasy, for my love lay still In my arms with her tender eyes aglow, And she wondered why my lips were chill, Why I was silent and kissed her so.
A year has gone and the moon is bright, A gibbous moon like a ghost of woe; I sit by a new-made grave tonight, And my heart is broken -- it's strange, you know.
What this Textopian page supports
Premonition is listed on Textopian as a poem by Robert W. Service, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Romantic, Gothic, Melodrama, Narrative
- Length: 192 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for Premonition by Robert W. Service
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse and employs poetic devices, making it primarily a poem.
- Romantic — The themes of love and loss are central to the narrative, characteristic of romantic literature.
- Gothic — The imagery of death and the supernatural elements contribute to a gothic atmosphere.
- Melodrama — The emotional intensity and tragic elements reflect melodramatic themes.
Tags
Poetry · Verse · Rhyme · Free Verse · Nature · Mystery · Supernatural · Fantasy · Symbolism · Imagery · Metaphor · Allegory