Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Posted byRebecca BuddPosted inLadyBudd, Poetry, Robert Frost, Sunday Evening Reflection, VancouverTags:, , ,
A meadow with snow and a fence

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Robert Frost

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.

Published by Rebecca Budd

Blogger, Visual Storyteller, Podcaster, Traveler and Life-long Learner

61 thoughts on “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”

    1. Thank you, Polly for your heartwarming comments. I started reading poetry to an empty room several years ago and found that words spoken out loud offered greater clarity and understanding of the theme. My recitation came out of listening to poetry read by the poets, an audio book that I borrowed from my local library. I thought it would be an easy listen. At the time I was listening to audiobooks when I walked back and forth from work. So I put on the poetry book and found out quickly that listening to poetry is not easy. It energizes the spirit and ignites a deeper need for reflection.

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    1. Many thanks, Shey!!! This poem was one of the first ones that I memorized, the first being Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Swing. As I was telling Dave – I always feel like weeping when I get to the end, I just found another one that I will be practicing my recitation. I especially like the last two lines!

      Acquainted With The Night

      By Robert Frost

      I have been one acquainted with the night.
      I have walked out in rain, and back in rain.
      I have outwalked the furthest city light.
      I have looked down the saddest city lane.
      I have passed by the watchman on his beat
      And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

      I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
      When far away an interrupted cry
      Came over houses from another street,

      But not to call me back or say good-bye;
      And further still at an unearthly height,
      O luminary clock against the sky

      Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
      I have been one acquainted with the night.

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  5. Stellar recitation, images, and music, Rebecca! One never tires of this profound, (not so) simple poem — including the ultra-famous repeated last lines signifying sleep, and death.

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    1. I confess I feel like weeping ever time I recite this poem. You can only imagine me reciting “The Road Not Taken”. YIKES!! Thank you for stopping by our woods with me. This poem reminded me that we must treasure every moment given.

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  6. One of my favorites, and your voice & video are delightful! Although it can be read as a simple narrative, it’s also deeply contemplative with words so carefully chosen. Sometimes I appreciate this as one transfixed in a beautiful moment passing by, while other times the snowy woods seem to beckon him deeper into its peaceful sleep of death. He is momentarily tempted to disappear within until he remembers the “miles” ahead. His poems just seem to mature along with me. 🙂 Hugs+++

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    1. So very well said, Mary Jo! “His poems just seem to mature along with me.” That idea resonates with my experience. We had snow for Christmas so it seemed the perfect time to read Robert Frost. I remember the first time I heard him recite this poem himself. There is emotional nuances in voice that energizes the spirit. Heading to Simon Fraser University to take photos of the snow on the mountain! We are experiencing frigid weather so it feels like we have joined the rest of Canada. Edmonton is -28 Celsius. BRRR!

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  7. Robert Frost’s beautiful classic winter poem. If one hadn’t noticed the simple beauty and magic of of Frost’s words before, this poem is the turning point for one’s pleasure in reading in the language poetic verse.
    So many beautiful poems and songs have written about winter. To keep this snowball rolling, here is a modest short one to add to the sometimes harsh days of this season

    Winter

    From grey Fall
    And bare trees,
    Snowflakes all
    Catch a breeze,
    The way down
    Lays with ease,
    Winter’s white!

    JJF

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    1. I LOVE your poem and will be reciting it on a video. Heading out to Simon Fraser University to take photos of the snow on the mountain. We had snow for Christmas and it was delightful. Happy New Year my dear friend!! Hugs to you and Marianne!

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    1. I am delighted that you joined me and Robert Frost on the Vancouver Seawall. This past year I have been working on several of Robert Frost’s poems. I am especially interested in Fire and Ice, which I am still not satisfied with my recitation. I understand from my readings that, “Fire and Ice” was inspired by a passage in Canto 32 of Dante’s Inferno, in which the worst offenders of hell (the traitors) are submerged up to their necks in ice while in a fiery hell. Robbie’s posts on Dante’s Divine Comedy was an inspiration. It is a short poem, but the message is powerful –

      Some say the world will end in fire,
      Some say in ice.
      From what I’ve tasted of desire
      I hold with those who favor fire.
      But if it had to perish twice,
      I think I know enough of hate
      To say that for destruction ice
      Is also great
      And would suffice.

      Looking forward to connecting in 2022!

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    2. Thank you Bette for joining me and Robert Frost on a snowy day in Vancouver. Your support and encouragement of poetry has inspired my journey. I am delighted we are heading into 2022 together!

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    1. Snow came on Christmas Day! It has been several years since we had snow for Christmas. The last snow came on Valentines Day 2021, which was extraordinary!! . Thank you for travelling to my side of the world. Sending many hugs and the warmest wishes for a Happy New Year!

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  11. A beautiful and favorite poem by Robert Frost–and so well read. thank you! It is so nice to have received this really gorgeous snowfall, and in some places very thick on the trees and ground. It was a treat to have this white Christmas so fitting for the season! ! And, we may receive more this winter–actually that would be a treat! ! A trip to Simon Frazer should give you a high point to view the snow below! !

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    1. We just returned from Simon Fraser University. The campus is closed but the pathways and forest trails are open and covered with a deep layer of snow. The sight of Mount Baker in the distance was truly extraordinary.

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  12. Such a beautiful post! This is one of my favorite poems and you have rendered it in such a captivating way…the video captures the enchantment of the woods, ‘lovely, dark, and deep’. Your voice really resonates with this poem…I sense the impact of the snow and the miles and miles of the journey yet to go. Funny, we often know that feeling of all there is to be done before we get to take a rest…and all the while, the stillness about us is so lovely.

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    1. I share your love of Robert Frost, Linda. He brings words together that catch us unawares and ignites our thinking. He is in the moment, in solitude, deep within the forest, and then quite suddenly, something calls him back to the present, to the work that is before him. I am so pleased that you stopped by woods and joined me on a snowy late afternoon.

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    1. What I find very interesting, Jean-Jacques is there is very little poetry recitation in social media. There is a great deal of poetry – and it is brilliant!!! – but only a limited amount given voice. I am glad that you are reciting poetry for adding the voice of the poet is an emotional uplift.

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  15. A lovely recitation, Rebecca. Thank you!
    One of the most enduring classics. It is not so heady as a Shakespearean sonnet, nor as epic as some of Burns’ poetry… save perhaps “A Red, Red Rose”.
    It is simple to understand, without much ulterior meaning.
    It’s just a perfect poem.

    Now, with my hat of humour on, it has always amused me that this “Snowy” poem is written by a man named Frost.
    {{{hugs}}}

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    1. I laughed out loud when I read your last line! Your hat of humour has a delightful magic. We had snow so I felt that we had joined the rest of Canada. We have a cold front, but it doesn’t compare with Edmonton’s cold front! YIKES!!!

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      1. Yikes is right! Winnipeg is almost as bad.
        It’s hard to believe it’s warmer in Toronto than in Vangroovy. AND no snow…yet!
        Hang in there! B.C. has had a tough year.
        Happy New Year dear Art Director!

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      2. I am delighted that I have been given the gift of “Art Director”. 2022 will be a year of courage, bravery, creativity, joy, hope and friendship. My sister, Sarah, sent me a quote by Joan Didion to take with us on our journey forward:
        “I’m not telling you to make the world better, because I don’t think that progress is necessarily part of the package. I’m just telling you to live in it. Not just to endure it, not just to suffer it, not just to pass through it, but to live in it.”

        Hugs and more hugs!

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      3. Thank you for the quote!
        Lots to do in 2022!
        I’m still challenged with the Tartan. When I really study it, it is worthy of so much respect. I don’t want to draw a bad plaid or general checks. I’ve done you in tartan palazzo pants… sort of okay.
        Holly has suggested the 1920’s, in the meantime. Now that sounds fun! We can time travel in the Art Gowns!
        {{{HUGS}}}

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    1. I’m delighted that you enjoyed this recitation! We had snow in Vancouver on Christmas Day which added to the festive feeling. I had to find my warmer coat which was in the back of my closet. It comes in handy when Vancouver has a cold front coming through. Happy New Year! Looking forward to entering 2022 together!

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    1. You have the most wonderful ways of describing Robert Frost (philosopher/poet) and his poetry – unimaginably elegant and endearing. I am hoping that these short videos will encourage others to embrace poetry and see the beauty of words. Thank you for being a poet! Sending hugs along with my warmest wishes for 2022. The adventures continue…

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      1. Thank you Rebecca. Reading Frost’s words one must be stirred by such tender images. He’s truly remarkable. Thank you for that opportunity! Have a wonderful New Year dear Rebecca! Sending lots of wishes for peace and joy for you And yours this coming year and always. 🕊🌼🌹❤️

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    1. Snow for Christmas added to the festive spirit. We were unable to get together with family in person, but our virtual connection was wonderful. I am so glad that you joined me on the Vancouver Seawall. Sending hugs back on the wing with great speed!

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    1. Thank you for your visit and comments, Diana. I found a treasure trove of Robert Frost’s poem on Gutenberg Press. Do you remember “The Pasture?” What a lovely scene it brings to mind. I love the open invitation.

      I’m going out to clean the pasture spring;
      I’ll only stop to rake the leaves away
      (And wait to watch the water clear, I may):
      I shan’t be gone long.—You come too.

      I’m going out to fetch the little calf
      That’s standing by the mother. It’s so young,
      It totters when she licks it with her tongue.
      I shan’t be gone long.—You come too.

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