Waiting, A Field at Dusk

By Robert Lee Frost

Reflective Poem
What things for dream there are when spectre-like, Moving among tall haycocks lightly piled, I enter alone upon the stubble field, From which the laborers' voices late have died, And in the antiphony of afterglow And rising full moon, sit me down Upon the full moon's side of the first haycock And lose myself amid so many alike. I dream upon the opposing lights of the hour, Preventing shadow until the moon prevail; I dream upon the night-hawks peopling heaven, Each circling each with vague unearthly cry, Or plunging headlong with fierce twang afar; And on the bat's mute antics, who would seem Dimly to have made out my secret place, Only to lose it when he pirouettes, And seek it endlessly with purblind haste; On the last swallow's sweep; and on the rasp In the abyss of odor and rustle at my back, That, silenced by my advent, finds once more, After an interval, his instrument, And tries once, twice,and thrice if I be there; And on the worn book of old-golden song I brought not here to read, it seems, but hold And freshen in this air of withering sweetness; But on the memory of one absent most, For whom these lines when they shall greet her eye.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem, richly imbued with evocative imagery and a sense of longing, is a poignant exploration of solitude, memory, and the transformative power of nature. The poet, alone in a stubble field, finds himself at the intersection of day and night, with the lingering afterglow of the sun and the rising moon setting the scene. This interplay of light and dark not only shapes the visual landscape but also serves as a metaphor for the juxtaposition of presence and absence, reality and dreams.

The structure of the poem is free-flowing, resembling the meandering thoughts of the speaker. There's a noticeable use of enjambment, creating a seamless transition between lines and mirroring the continuous flow of the speaker's contemplations. The language is mellifluous and sensory, painting a vivid picture of the natural world, from the "tall haycocks" to the "night-hawks peopling heaven." The poem also leans heavily on auditory imagery, capturing the sounds of the night-hawks, bats, and the last swallow's sweep. Yet, amidst the tranquility, there's an undercurrent of unrest, embodied by the bat's "purblind haste" and the rustle at the speaker's back that keeps testing his presence. The poem concludes with a poignant touch, revealing that these musings are not just reflections but also a message to an absent loved one, adding a layer of emotional depth and nostalgia.

Understanding Reflective Poetry

Reflective poetry is a form of verse that explores the thoughts, emotions, and meditations of the poet. It often delves into personal experiences, memories, and philosophical musings, offering a window into the poet's inner world.

Reflective poems are characterized by their introspective nature, allowing readers to connect with the poet’s contemplations on life, existence, and the human condition. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Personal Reflection: These poems often center on the poet's own thoughts and feelings, offering a deep dive into their emotional or intellectual state.
  • Philosophical Musings: Reflective poetry frequently addresses larger existential questions, providing a space for the poet to ponder life’s meaning, purpose, and the nature of reality.
  • Imagery and Symbolism: Poets use vivid imagery and rich symbolism to convey their reflections, often drawing on nature, art, or personal experiences to express complex ideas.
  • Quiet and Contemplative Tone: Reflective poems typically have a calm, meditative tone, inviting readers to pause and reflect alongside the poet.

Reflective poetry provides a unique avenue for exploring the poet’s inner world, inviting readers to engage in their own reflections as they journey through the verses.