No Trespassing
In reply to Robert Frost's "Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening"
Who stands outside? His back is turned;
I bet he stares out on my woods
Out where branches pause by lullaby.
He’ll stay there for a time or two
As still air eats the deep cold deeply.
This darkest day calls many travelers
Out to a silent and still boreal grip.
I could bring him in, feed his horse.
A flaky down encrusts his mane
His tail bounces slow with ice.
But I have made no promises.
I should like to own that steed.
The lively thing could pull a sleigh;
Tonight, I'd see him lead the old St. Nick.
He and I would make good friends
And leave the man out there to muse.
We’d travel up that lazy hill
Venture through my chilling wood.
To brazen fires ablaze, we'd return
Barn of hay to rest and soothe.
The man would miss him, I am sure,
As miles slowed him to near standstill,
And no warm hearth leapt in sight.
Would stopping by my snowy woods
Be worth his flapping of floppy arms?
That sideshow of death’s great circus?
He, lost without his nimble stallion.
Would he then sit against a tree
He, with miles to go, and miles to go,
To warm his panting heart with sleep?
* * *
Thank you for reading! This is part of a series of poetic emulations, where I take a poem I love and either write an answer, a continuation, or something new inspired by it.
About the Creator
Mackenzie Davis
“When you are describing a shape, or sound, or tint, don’t state the matter plainly, but put it in a hint. And learn to look at all things with a sort of mental squint.” Lewis Carroll
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Copyright Mackenzie Davis.
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Her screams diminished as Llion was dragged away from the cell. The stench in the corridor was less but there was still damp, decay, defecation, death. His feet dragged, like a raggedy puppet, the guard either side of him holding him fast. He could feel their individual fingers digging into his scant flesh, leaving their impression on his bones.
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Comments (9)
Great interaction with Frost’s poem… I like Dana… was blessed to read this poem due to Paul’s recent challenge.
I love how you added a viewpoint of a man watching the rider in Frost's Stopping by Woods during a Snowy Evening. This is a wonderfully lyrical poem! Great work!
Well, it took 8 months, but Paul's challenge piece finally brought me here. NOt only did I love this answer to Frost's classic, I'm now going to have to track down the others in your series. Beautifully done, Mackenzie!
Thought I had commented and liked this already. But found it in search when trying to find a piece to highlight in my challenge. Well done on being so creative and I love your way with words on this one!
So many wonderful lines in here - "Out where branches pause by lullaby", "As still air eats the deep cold deeply.", That sideshow of death’s great circus and many more... Gripping read! You never miss, Mackenzie!
This is just wonderfully done. Loved it.
And what of the horses voice? I think you could make a triad!
I love the direction you went with here! You are so creative! And yes, like Alexandra said, he best keep moving!
Chuckling: That traveler best keep moving. He is in dangerous territory. His respite is not likely to end in lyrics for a lullaby. 😊