Frost

By Timothy Braun

 

Presented natural solitary 

Simplicity obscure tradition

Concealed ambitious fit

Deceptive ambiguous end:

 

“The woods are lonely dark and deep,

But  I have promises to keep

And miles to go before I sleep

And miles to go before I sleep”  *

 

Appreciation sincere rousing

Wonder another recognition 

Expertly parapatic study

Popular tragic efforts –

Darkness emphasized cleverness

Multiplicity recognizing intimacy:

 

“You come to “ ‘The Pasture’ ^

“Supportave, insistence, command, statement” **

“Can’t a man speak of his own child he’s lost?” **

“Not you! Oh where’s my hat?  Oh, I don’t need it! *

“I must get out of here.  I must have air.

I don’t know rightly whether any man can.” *

 

Sometimes intriguing similarities

Draws patterned references

Influence dithered tradition

Tracking modernist turbulence –

 

“Two Tramps in Mud Time” *

“Love and Need” *

“My Butterfly” *

“A Boy’s Will” *

 

Accounts regular intonation

Strand dialogue broaches

Characterize unsaid eloquence

Proceeds lyric success –

 

“Home Burial” *

“North of Boston” *

“Mending Wall” *

“After Apple Picking” *

 

Appear review absentia followed opportunity

Comparative undramatic reputation:

 

“The Silken Tent” *

“Nothing Gold Can Stay” *

“New Hampshire” *

“The Waste Land” *

 

Oppressed taciturn friend

Erratically badgered others –

 

Sage extremes misunderstood

Accept distinguished satisfaction

Enjoy obliquely protagonistic self characterization

Doubleness mystery achieved.

 

* Robert Frost

** Maggie Doherty, “Catch Me If You Can-The Many Guises of Robert Frost”  The New Yorker,  

3/3/2025 pg. 67

 

Dedicated to Grandpa Wettemann

Timothy J. Braun

Congers, Hudson Valley – Rockland,  NY

Happy Birthday Larissa!