The Silent Ones

Read 'The Silent Ones' by 'Robert William Service' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

The Silent Ones by Robert William Service

 I'm just an ordinary chap
 Who comes home to his tea,
And mostly I don't care a rap
 What people think of me;
I do my job and take my pay,
 And love of peace expound;
But as I go my patient way,
 --Don't push me round.

Though I respect authority
 And order never flout,
When Law and Justice disagree
 You can include me out.
The Welfare State I tolerate
 If it is kept in bound,
But if you wish to rouse my hate
 --Just push me round.

And that's the way with lots of us:
 We want to feel we're free;
So labour governments we cuss
 And mock at monarchy.
Yea, we are men of secret mirth,
 And fury seldom sound;
But if you value peace on earth
 --Don't push us round.

Form: Ballad Comments

Comments About This Poem

Share your interpretation, favorite passage, or thoughts about this famous poem. Please provide an in-depth and meaningful comment.

  • What do you think the poet was trying to say?
  • Which line had the biggest impact on you?
  • How does this poem relate to modern life?
  • What literary devices did you notice?
No comments have been posted yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace