The Poems of Robert Frost

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I really couldn’t get into this selection of Robert Frost’s poems. It brought together seven of his published collections, which was kind of neat, covering the period from his first book in 1913 up to A Witness Tree in 1942. I read a lot of poetry, but I’m primarily drawn to works from the 18th and 19th century, especially Byron and Percy Shelley. I think Wordsworth would have liked Frost, as both focused on nature, simpler life, etc. It might be that I’m not as excited about Modern poetry, except for a few pieces, mainly Howl by Ginsburg. I also couldn’t get drawn into the folksy, rural tone.

But, having said that, there were some nice moments. In his North of Boston collection, I liked the mood set by “Good Hours” (p. 114). I also loved this part of “The Fear” (p. 111):

What’s a child doing at this time of night-?
Out walking. Every child should have the memory Of at least one long-after-bedtime walk.”

In the Mountain Interval (1916) collection, most people are drawn to “The Road Not Taken.” I thought it was interesting, especially when reading some background material about how it is one of his most misunderstood poems. But, more important to me was his short piece “A Time To Talk" (p. 133). It deals with true friendship and tells us not to worry about what work we have to do when a friend stops by but to go right over and talk to them. Important life advice.

In New Hampshire (1923), there’s his famous “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” (p. 238). I like the rhythm and mechanics of the last stanza.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.