A Dream Pang

By Robert Lee Frost

Sonnet
I had withdrawn in forest, and my song Was swallowed up in leaves that blew alway; And to the forest edge you came one day (This was my dream) and looked and pondered long, But did not enter, though the wish was strong: you shook your pensive head as who should say, 'I dare not, to far in his footsteps stray- He must seek me would he undo the wrong.' Not far, but near, I stood and saw it all behind low boughs the trees let down outside; And the sweet pang it cost me not to call And tell you that I saw does still abide. But 'tis not true that thus I dwelt aloof, For the wood wakes, and you are here for proof.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem explores themes of solitude, longing, and reconciliation, woven together by the backdrop of a dream-like forest. The speaker's initial retreat into the woods indicates a desire for seclusion, which is emphasized by the metaphor of his song being 'swallowed up' by the leaves. However, the appearance of another figure at the forest's edge introduces a sense of longing and unfulfilled desire, underscored by the speaker's observation of the figure's hesitation to enter the forest.

The tone of the poem is reflective and poignant, with a touch of melancholy. The speaker's reluctance to reveal his presence to the figure at the edge of the forest suggests a past wrong that remains uncorrected, and the lingering 'sweet pang' of this missed opportunity underscores the regretful tone. Yet the poem concludes on a hopeful note with the speaker's belief that the figure has, indeed, found him, symbolizing reconciliation.

The poem's structure is marked by its careful balance of introspection and observation, and its use of natural imagery to convey the speaker's emotional landscape is especially notable. The poem's language is rich in metaphor and symbolism, with the forest serving as a potent symbol for both solitude and the complexities of human relationships. The final line's assertion that 'the wood wakes, and you are here for proof' subtly inverts the initial metaphor of the song swallowed by leaves, suggesting a renewal of communication and connection.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.