'The Cow In Apple-Time' by Robert Frost

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Mountain Interval1916Something inspires the only cow of late
To make no more of a wall than an open gate,
And think no more of wall-builders than fools.
Her face is flecked with pomace and she drools
A cider syrup. Having tasted fruit,
She scorns a pasture withering to the root.
She runs from tree to tree where lie and sweeten.
The windfalls spiked with stubble and worm-eaten.
She leaves them bitten when she has to fly.
She bellows on a knoll against the sky.
Her udder shrivels and the milk goes dry.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Cow In Apple-Time: A Masterpiece of Poetic Imagination

When it comes to American poetry, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Robert Frost. The four-time Pulitzer Prize winner and the Poet Laureate of the United States for four years running, Frost's poems have been studied, celebrated, and loved for their evocative imagery, profound insights, and deceptively simple language. One of his most beloved and memorable poems is "The Cow In Apple-Time," a short yet powerful meditation on the transience of life, the beauty of nature, and the mystery of existence. In this essay, we will explore this masterpiece of poetic imagination and attempt to uncover its deeper meanings and implications.

The Poem

Before we delve into the interpretation of the poem, let's first read and appreciate it in its entirety:

Something inspires the only cow of late
To make no more of a wall than an open gate,
And think no more of wall-builders than fools.
Her face is flecked with pomace and she drools
A cider syrup. Having tasted fruit,
She scorns a pasture withering to the root.
She runs from tree to tree where lie and sweeten
The windfalls spiked with stubble and worm-eaten.
She leaves them bitten when she has to fly.
She bellows on a knoll against the sky.
Her udder shrivels and the milk goes dry.

At first glance, the poem seems deceptively simple, even whimsical. It tells the story of a cow who, for some inexplicable reason, abandons her usual pasture and starts roaming freely among the apple trees, eating the fallen fruit and enjoying the sweet cider syrup. The cow seems to be in a state of blissful ignorance, oblivious to the restrictions of fences and boundaries, and uncaring about the consequences of her actions. However, the final line of the poem, "Her udder shrivels and the milk goes dry," hints at a deeper, darker meaning that lurks beneath the surface.

The Interpretation

So, what does the poem mean? As with most great works of art, there is no single, definitive interpretation of "The Cow In Apple-Time." However, we can identify several themes and motifs that run through the poem and shed light on its potential meanings.

The Transience of Life

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its preoccupation with the fleeting nature of existence. The cow, in her eagerness to taste the sweet fruit, seems to be defying the natural order of things, ignoring her own mortality and the inevitable decline that comes with age. The image of her udder shriveling and the milk going dry is a poignant reminder that everything in life has a season and that nothing lasts forever. This theme of impermanence is a recurring motif in Frost's poetry, and it reflects his own personal philosophy of life as a journey that must be embraced with courage and curiosity, even in the face of its inevitable end.

The Beauty of Nature

Another prominent theme in the poem is the beauty and wonder of the natural world. Frost's descriptions of the apple trees, with their windfalls spiked with stubble and worm-eaten, evoke a sense of rustic beauty and pastoral charm. The cow, too, is portrayed as a creature of natural grace and simplicity, untainted by the complexities and artificialities of human society. Through these images, Frost suggests that there is something pure and elemental about the world of nature, something that can inspire us, comfort us, and remind us of our own place in the grand scheme of things.

The Mystery of Existence

Finally, the poem can be seen as a meditation on the mystery of existence itself. Why, we might ask, does the cow behave as she does? What motivates her to abandon her familiar routine and seek out the apples? Is there a deeper meaning or purpose to her actions, or are they simply random and capricious? These questions are left unanswered, and this ambiguity only adds to the poem's power and allure. Frost reminds us that life is full of mysteries and enigmas, and that sometimes the most profound truths are the ones that elude our understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "The Cow In Apple-Time" is a masterpiece of poetic imagination that explores themes of transience, beauty, and mystery. Through its simple yet evocative imagery and its enigmatic story, the poem invites us to reflect on the meaning and purpose of our own lives, and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. As we read and reread this timeless classic, we are reminded of the power of poetry to awaken our senses, challenge our assumptions, and inspire us to see the world in new and profound ways.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Cow In Apple-Time: A Masterpiece of Robert Frost

Robert Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, is known for his unique style of writing that captures the essence of rural life in America. His poems are often simple yet profound, and his use of imagery and symbolism is unparalleled. One of his most famous poems, The Cow In Apple-Time, is a masterpiece that captures the beauty and simplicity of life in the countryside.

The poem is set in an apple orchard, where a cow is grazing among the trees. The speaker of the poem is observing the cow and reflecting on the beauty of the scene. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the scene.

In the first stanza, the speaker describes the cow as she grazes among the apple trees. The cow is described as "contented" and "slow," and the speaker notes that she seems to be enjoying the apples as much as the trees themselves. The imagery in this stanza is particularly striking, as Frost describes the cow's "great, round, solemn eyes" and the "long, black, serious tail" that swishes back and forth as she eats.

In the second stanza, the speaker reflects on the beauty of the apple trees themselves. He notes that they are "loaded with apples" and that the "boughs bend to the ground." The imagery in this stanza is particularly vivid, as Frost describes the "red-streaked yellow" apples and the "fragrant" scent of the orchard. The speaker also notes that the apples are "ripe to be pressed" and that they will soon be turned into cider.

In the final stanza, the speaker reflects on the passing of time and the inevitability of change. He notes that the cow will soon be gone, and that the apples will be picked and turned into cider. He also notes that the orchard will eventually be "cut down and gone" and that "nothing will be left but a plain tree." The imagery in this stanza is particularly poignant, as Frost describes the "last of the apples" that will be left on the ground and the "windfallen" apples that will be left to rot.

The Cow In Apple-Time is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the beauty and simplicity of life in the countryside. Frost's use of imagery and symbolism is unparalleled, and his ability to capture the passing of time and the inevitability of change is truly remarkable. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should cherish the simple pleasures while we can.

In conclusion, The Cow In Apple-Time is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the beauty and simplicity of life in the countryside. Frost's use of imagery and symbolism is unparalleled, and his ability to capture the passing of time and the inevitability of change is truly remarkable. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting, and that we should cherish the simple pleasures while we can.

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