Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Snowy Woods Reflections: A Poetic Journey of Promises and Perseverance
Lyrics
Whose woods these are I think I know
The speaker reflects on the ownership of the woods, expressing uncertainty but a sense of recognition.
His house is in the village though
The owner's residence is in the nearby village, emphasizing the speaker's awareness of the property owner.
He will not see me stopping here
The speaker believes the owner won't notice them pausing in the woods to observe the snowfall.
To watch his woods fill up with snow
The speaker stops to appreciate the snow accumulating in the owner's woods, suggesting a moment of contemplation.
My little horse must think it's query
The speaker imagines what their horse might be thinking about the sudden stop in the snow-filled woods.
To stop without a farmhouse near
Highlighting the unusualness of stopping without a farmhouse nearby, the horse's perspective is considered.
Between the woods and frozen lake
Describing the setting between the woods and a frozen lake on the darkest evening of the year, creating a vivid atmosphere.
The darkest evening of the year
Suggesting a profound or challenging moment in the speaker's life, marked by the metaphorical darkness of the evening.
He gives his harness bells a shake
The owner's harness bells are mentioned, perhaps symbolizing a connection to the owner and their activities.
To ask if there is some mistake
The bells are shaken as if questioning the speaker's presence, raising the possibility of a mistake or intrusion.
The only other sound's the sweep
The only sound besides the bells is the gentle sweep of wind and falling snow, creating a serene atmosphere.
Of easy wind and downy flake
Describing the woods as lovely, dark, and deep, capturing their beauty and the speaker's fascination.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep
Reiterating the allure of the woods but acknowledging the speaker's responsibilities and commitments elsewhere.
But I have promises to keep
The speaker has promises to fulfill, indicating a sense of duty that prevents them from lingering in the woods.
And miles to go before I sleep
Expressing the speaker's awareness of the journey ahead and the tasks they must complete before resting.
And miles to go before I sleep
Repeating the idea of having miles to go before sleeping, emphasizing the weight of the speaker's commitments.
And miles to go before I sleep
Repetition of the previous line to emphasize the distance and tasks that lie ahead for the speaker.
And miles to go before I sleep
Reiteration once again, underscoring the persistence of the speaker's journey and responsibilities.
And miles to go before I sleep
Continued emphasis on the long journey and tasks remaining, reinforcing the central theme of duty and commitment.
And miles to go before I sleep
Final repetition, concluding the poem with a strong emphasis on the speaker's ongoing journey and obligations.
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