This is one of my favorite poems -- perhaps because it was my first in-depth exposure to poetry.
In high school, I was assigned a poetry explication: it was a combination of poetic analysis and public speaking (I had to deliver my work to the class), and it was a major part of my grade.
I chose this poem because it was one of the few poems I'd ever read.
I'd never spent much time with poetry, but the hours I dedicated to really thinking about (and feeling) this poem made a lasting impact. I don't remember the grade I got, but the assignment absolutely kindled my lifelong love of poetry.
I spend more time on translations of older Chinese poetry these days (I highly recommend Red Pine's translation of Wei Ying-wu's In Such Hard Times), but I'll always remember Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.
In high school, I was assigned a poetry explication: it was a combination of poetic analysis and public speaking (I had to deliver my work to the class), and it was a major part of my grade.
I chose this poem because it was one of the few poems I'd ever read.
I'd never spent much time with poetry, but the hours I dedicated to really thinking about (and feeling) this poem made a lasting impact. I don't remember the grade I got, but the assignment absolutely kindled my lifelong love of poetry.
I spend more time on translations of older Chinese poetry these days (I highly recommend Red Pine's translation of Wei Ying-wu's In Such Hard Times), but I'll always remember Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.