'Not to Keep' by Robert Lee Frost
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They sent him back to her. The letter came
Saying… And she could have him. And before
She could be sure there was no hidden ill
Under the formal writing, he was in her sight,
Living. They gave him back to her alive—
How else? They are not known to send the dead—
And not disfigured visibly. His face?
His hands? She had to look, and ask,
“What was it, dear?” And she had given all
And still she had all—they had—they the lucky!
Wasn’t she glad now? Everything seemed won,
And all the rest for them permissible ease.
She had to ask, “What was it, dear?”
“Enough,
Yet not enough. A bullet through and through,
High in the breast. Nothing but what good care
And medicine and rest, and you a week,
Can cure me of to go again.” The same
Grim giving to do over for them both.
She dared no more than ask him with her eyes
How was it with him for a second trial.
And with his eyes he asked her not to ask.
They had given him back to her, but not to keep.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Not to Keep: A Masterpiece by Robert Frost
"Poetry begins in delight and ends in wisdom." - Robert Frost
Robert Frost, a celebrated American poet, has left an indelible mark on the world of poetry with his profound and subtle poems. His poems reflect his love for nature and his deep understanding of human emotions. One such poem, "Poetry, Not to Keep," is a masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of his poetry.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
"Poetry, Not to Keep," is a short, four-stanza poem that delves into the purpose of poetry. In the first stanza, the speaker presents a hypothetical scenario where a lover recites a poem to their beloved. The second stanza, however, takes a sharp turn and declares that poetry is not meant to be kept or treasured, but to be shared and enjoyed. The third stanza continues this theme, emphasizing that poetry is not meant to be hoarded like material possessions. The final stanza concludes the poem with the speaker urging the readers to enjoy poetry while it lasts, for it is fleeting like a butterfly.
Analysis of the Poem
The poem is an embodiment of Frost's philosophy of poetry. He believed that poetry should not just be a means of self-expression but should also be relatable to the readers. He encouraged poets to write for the people and not for themselves. This philosophy is evident in the poem, where Frost emphasizes the importance of sharing poetry with the world.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker presents a scenario where a lover recites a poem to their beloved. The use of the word "charming" to describe the lover's recitation suggests that the poem has a certain appeal, a quality that makes it attractive. However, the use of the word "spell" to describe the lover's recitation also suggests that poetry has a transformative power, one that can captivate the listener and transport them to a different world.
The second stanza takes a sharp turn and declares that poetry is not meant to be kept or hoarded. The use of the phrase "pass it on" suggests that poetry is meant to be shared and enjoyed by others. The use of the words "pass it on" also implies that poetry has the power to connect people, to bridge the gap between them. Frost believed that poetry was a means of communication, and this stanza reflects that belief.
The third stanza continues this theme, emphasizing that poetry is not meant to be hoarded like material possessions. The use of the phrase "leave it lying around" suggests that poetry is meant to be freely available to all. The use of the word "hoard" suggests that poetry has no intrinsic value if it is locked away, unused and unread. It is only when it is shared and enjoyed that it gains value.
The final stanza concludes the poem with the speaker urging the readers to enjoy poetry while it lasts. The use of the metaphor "butterfly" suggests that poetry is fleeting, like a butterfly that flits from flower to flower. The use of the phrase "while it lasts" suggests that poetry is precious and should be savored while it is still available.
Interpretation of the Poem
"Poetry, Not to Keep," is a poem that celebrates the beauty and power of poetry. Frost believed that poetry was meant to be shared and enjoyed, and this poem reflects that belief. The poem suggests that poetry has the power to connect people, to transform them, and to bridge the gap between them.
The use of the metaphor "butterfly" suggests that poetry is fleeting and precious. It is not something that can be hoarded or treasured like material possessions. Poetry is an ephemeral art form that must be savored while it lasts.
The poem also suggests that poetry has a transformative power. The use of the word "spell" in the first stanza suggests that poetry can captivate the listener and transport them to a different world. Poetry has the power to connect people, to bridge the gap between them, and to bring them closer together.
Conclusion
"Poetry, Not to Keep," is a masterpiece that reflects Frost's philosophy of poetry. Frost believed that poetry was meant to be shared and enjoyed, and this poem celebrates that belief. The poem suggests that poetry has the power to connect people, to transform them, and to bridge the gap between them. It is an ephemeral art form that must be savored while it lasts. Frost's legacy as a poet lives on through this timeless poem, and it is a testament to his talent and his art.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry has always been a medium for expressing emotions, thoughts, and ideas. It is a form of art that has the power to evoke feelings and inspire change. Robert Lee Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, understood this power of poetry and used it to create timeless works that continue to resonate with readers today. One such work is his poem "Poetry Not to Keep."
"Poetry Not to Keep" is a short but powerful poem that explores the transience of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. The poem begins with the lines, "It is true, in certain lights, / That men and women / Do seem like grasses." Here, Frost is drawing a comparison between human life and the grass that grows in fields. Just as grass is temporary and fleeting, so too is human life. The use of the word "seem" suggests that this is a subjective observation, one that is dependent on the perspective of the viewer. In certain lights, human life may appear fragile and fleeting, while in others it may seem strong and enduring.
The second stanza of the poem continues this theme of transience, with Frost writing, "And we who walk upon the grass / Must tread with care and circumspection, / Or else we trample on a life / That might be soul in grasses." Here, Frost is urging us to be mindful of the fragility of life and to tread lightly, lest we inadvertently harm someone who may be struggling. The use of the phrase "soul in grasses" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant life has value and meaning.
The third stanza of the poem takes a turn, with Frost writing, "But I out of my poverty / Have only my dreams; / I have spread my dreams under your feet; / Tread softly because you tread on my dreams." Here, Frost is acknowledging his own mortality and the fact that he has nothing to offer but his dreams. He is asking the reader to be gentle with his dreams, as they are all he has to offer. The use of the phrase "tread softly" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the reader has the power to either nurture or destroy Frost's dreams.
The final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle, with Frost writing, "In dreams I have kissed your mouth. / That has made me happy. / Because dreams last / As long as you want them to last." Here, Frost is reminding us that while life may be fleeting, dreams can endure. He is suggesting that we should cherish our dreams and hold onto them tightly, as they can bring us happiness and comfort even in the darkest of times.
Overall, "Poetry Not to Keep" is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the transience of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have. Frost's use of imagery and language is masterful, and he manages to convey a powerful message in just a few short stanzas. The poem is a reminder that even the smallest and seemingly insignificant life has value and meaning, and that we should be mindful of the impact we have on others. It is a call to cherish our dreams and hold onto them tightly, as they can bring us happiness and comfort even in the darkest of times.
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