Comments on: Manvotional: Robert Service’s “The Quitter”

By: Greg Throne

Greg Throne — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 13:31:47 +0000

Good deal that someone finally recognised Robert W. Service’s poetry. He fits the definitions of manly…strong moral code, humor, grace under pressure, need for adventure. Facts> Service went to the Yukon during the gold rush of 1898. Service was an ambulance driver on the Western Front during WWI, and was badly wounded. Pace, Papa Hemingway, Service also lived in Paris after the Great War. His poetry reflects comedy, tragedy, a lingering sense of the absurd, and is still in print. He also put a high value on self discipline, self respect, and always trying to see the humor in a situation. See also his poems, “Grin”, “Song of Winter Weather”(sic) and his two classics, “The Shooting of Dan McGrew” and “The Cremation of Sam Magee”.

By: Colin

Colin — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:09:55 +0000

The picture above is from the finish of the 2005 Boston Marathon. http://bit.ly/eBMkc

By: Justin

Justin — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 23:21:48 +0000

Great timing on this piece! I just got back from a weekend of training for Air Force ROTC and had been feeling exhausted and demoralized, but this poem really gives me motivation to keep going with the end goal of being a pilot in sight. Thanks for the good work and good luck on finals!

By: Atom Heart Father

Atom Heart Father — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 19:16:47 +0000

I don’t know a lot of poetry, but I know I like Robert Service. I’ve been a fan ever since my grandfather read the Cremation of Sam McGee to me as a child.

By: Alan

Alan — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 14:33:25 +0000

Congrats on finishing up law school – I’m in the exact same position, tying up my 3L year, starting finals tomorrow. It *has* been a long journey, hasn’t it? Walking into this economy could really be viewed as as serious kick in the pants, but you strike me as someone who’s probably going to end up on top. I like to think that I’m going to be the same way.

By: Giggles

Giggles — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:44:11 +0000

Where is that picture from? As a marathon runner, I’m intrigued by it. That looks like a picture with quite the story behind it.

By: E

Sun, 26 Apr 2009 07:21:58 +0000

I’m coming down to the wire as well. 3 more weeks of lecture, then finals and I have my Bachelor’s degree. I’ve been suffering from burnout for the last few weeks, though. Just trying to cram as much sleep and Internet in my free time instead of studying this material that’s really kicking my ass. Time for me to man up!

By: Jon

Jon — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 05:57:22 +0000

Good luck on the finals. Nothing but the best in the future.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 04:22:59 +0000

Great poem. One of my favorites for years. Good luck with exams. I too will be keeping this poem in mind as I study for mine–thanks for the reminder.