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The Poetry Nook

Robert Frost and the Importance of “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

Often, by the time we reach December, we find our lives speeding up from a pace we can maintain (sort of) to a tempo that leaves us out of breath with heads spinning. There’s shopping and cleaning and planning to do. Pictures for cards to take, gifts to wrap, parties to attend. And 2020 has turned a hectic season in to one with exponentially more stress and worry.  

This is where an over 100-year-old poem will come in and give you not only an excuse to pause, to inhale, but will also give you some renewed perspective. Nature, and spending time in it and with it, is an incredibly potent part of remaining healthy, both physically and mentally. Quiet time spent in reflection with fresh air and growing things and without the beeps from technology, the tugs from others for your attention, will allow you to slow your speeding brain and bumping heart. It will allow you to clear the clutter and a find a way to the things that really matter. 

Taking time out of your busy schedule to rest might seem counterintuiative to you. Even Frost’s narrator in “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” when they take a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of his life, is met with a skepticism from his horse. The weight of the checklists to tick off and the promises to hold is not lost on our narrator. In fact it is this pause, this deep breath that he has taken in the moonlit woods, that has allowed him the moment he needed in order to face them head on. 

So, when things begin to overwhelm this season, go and find yourself your own bit of woods (albeit most likely lacking that downy snow) and take a deep breath and feel your body unwind and slow down. Sit there as long as you need so that you can face those miles to go. 

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening 

Whose woods these are I think I know.   
His house is in the village though;   
He will not see me stopping here   
To watch his woods fill up with snow.   

My little horse must think it queer   
To stop without a farmhouse near   
Between the woods and frozen lake   
The darkest evening of the year.    

He gives his harness bells a shake   
To ask if there is some mistake.   
The only other sound’s the sweep   
Of easy wind and downy flake.  

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. 

Poetry, I feel, is always better heard than read. And, even better if you can have the writer read it for you. This way there is no mistaking the creator’s rhythm, pacing, and meaning. Below is a video of Robert Frost reading “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” Enjoy!

Writing Prompt 

For this month’s writing prompt, let’s take a moment out our hectic lives to pause and take in the natural world around us. Put aside any responsibilities and commitments you have and take five minutes to step outside.  

While outdoors, use your five senses (four if you don’t feel like tasting nature) and take note. On this December day, what do you smell? Hear? See? Touch? How does pausing for five minutes to notice nature make you feel? How does your body respond to this brief pause?

Now take these observations and turn them in to a poem. It could be a quick snapshot of a winter’s day, a love letter to cooler temperatures, whatever sets your heart singing. 

When you’re done, I’d love to read your work. You can send it to me at nmagola@mytpl.org. Happy writing! 

Recommended Books

References

– Naomi Hurtienne Magola, Youth Services Librarian

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