Bond And Free

By Robert Lee Frost

Lyric Poem
Love has earth to which she clings With hills and circling arms about, Wall within wall to shut fear out. But Though has need of no such things, For Thought has a pair of dauntless wings. On snow and sand and turn, I see Where Love has left a printed trace With straining in the world's embrace. And such is Love and glad to be But Though has shaken his ankles free. Though cleaves the interstellar gloom And sits in Sirius' disc all night, Till day makes him retrace his flight With smell of burning on every plume, Back past the sun to an earthly room. His gains in heaven are what they are. Yet some say Love by being thrall And simply staying possesses all In several beauty that Thought fares far To find fused in another star.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem is a contemplative exploration of the contrasts between love and thought. The poet uses vivid imagery and metaphor to illustrate the differences between these two abstract concepts, showing love as a grounded, stabilizing force and thought as a limitless, adventurous entity.

The first stanza introduces love as a protective force, "with hills and circling arms about, Wall within wall to shut fear out." This implies a sense of safety and security, suggesting that love provides a comforting, enclosed space. In contrast, thought is presented as a free, soaring entity, unhindered by the physical constraints that love clings to. Thought has "a pair of dauntless wings," symbolizing its limitless potential and boldness.

The forth stanza brings out a paradox between the two subjects. While Thought travels far, reaching heavenly bodies and unknown territories, love, by "simply staying possesses all." This suggests that love, despite its grounded nature, holds a profound depth that thought must journey far to attain, highlighting the inherent beauty and complexity of love.

The poem uses a straightforward structure, a consistent rhyme scheme, and a rhythmic meter to convey its themes, providing a solid foundation for its abstract ideas. Notably, the poet skillfully employs personification, giving human characteristics to love and thought, thereby bringing these abstract concepts vividly to life. The tone is reflective and a bit melancholic, cleverly mirroring the contemplative exploration of love and thought. Overall, this poem is a beautiful contemplation of two fundamental aspects of human experience, intertwining them in a dance of contrast and paradox.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.