The cremation of Sam McGee

[PALADIN85020]

Many years ago when I was a teenager, my parents and I, while on vacation, stopped for an evening at Ruby's Inn, a rustic old lodge close to Bryce Canyon National Park. After dinner, we were entertained by an old guy dressed in black, complete with a black cape, who had a close resemblance to classic actor John Carradine, father of the recently deceased actor. At any rate, complete with gestures and great emphasis on certain parts, he recited from memory the classic poem "The cremation of Sam McGee" authored by Robert Service. We were all spellbound as he emoted, and rose to give him a standing ovation. That evening has stuck in my memory, as has the poem. In re-reading it recently, I was struck by what a masterpiece it really was, and is. Just thought I'd toss it out to you for appreciation, or re-appreciation of a real classic:

The Cremation of Sam McGee - Service

Enjoy!

 

[BarbC]

We read Robert Service to each other on our road trip to and through Alaska in 1969.

Here is Jean Shepherd reading Robert Service: Music: Jean Shepherd Reads Poems of Robert Service by Jean Shepherd - Rhapsody Online

 

[Airpark]

Robert W Service ...a favorite of Ronald Wilson Reagan..... Have several of his books of poetry. Always a GOOOOOOOD relaxing and enjoyable read.

 

[feralmerril]

Seems I remember johnny horton had a loosely based song on the poem, and I dont thing it was "when it`s springtime" in alaska either, nor was it "north to alaska", but a seldom heard different one. "Rubys inn" is about a hour from me.

 

[tops]

Robert Service is one of my favorite authors and I think " The Cremation of Sam McGee" is the best he ever wrote. I first read it in high school over 50 yrs. ago. Larry

 

[SIG229fan]

One of my dad's favorites. Still have his original copy of Service's poems in my library and fond memories of him reciting 'Sam' by memory to my brother and me.

The name's pronounced 'Saar-vis', by the way...

 

[paladin42]

A more modern version for the computer age...

There are bugs adrift on the midnight shift
That cannot be foretold.
The audit trails have their secret tales
That would make your blood run cold.
Debugging nights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see
Was that time on the way to delivery day
I ran test three-oh-three.

The remainder here..
The Running of Three-oh-Three

 

[J. Galt]

This guy gives a pretty good reading of it.

 

[jimmyj]

Hi:
Enjoyed the Poem.
Thank you for posting it.
Jimmy