From: Meg Kavanagh <kavanagh>
Date: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 15:01:07 -0500

I, too, have wondered where the suicide interpretation came from-- and when it originated. Though the poem was first published in New Hampshire
(1923), some stuff happened in Frost's life later that an abbreviated literary history may have melded with the poem. Maybe it stems from the rough 30s. (Frost experienced tragedy after tragedy, back to back, from '34 to '40, beginning with the death of his daughter, his other daughter being committed to the state hospital, losing Elinor, and-- here's where I think the poetic interpretation might be melded with Frost's later experiences-- his only son committing suicide.)

What matters most to me in the poem (besides the sounds) is the idea that imagination can be yours, enjoyed entirely privately, and then poof! the natural world around you adheres to your imagination in the most remarkable, unlikely ways and makes it sing. Is it an invitation to
"trespass"? Is it transgressive? Poems have so many possibilities. That reminds me of another favorite that's not just for adults: 657 by Emily Dickinson:

I dwell in Possibility-A fairer House than Prose-More numerous of Windows-Superior--for Doors-Of Chambers as the Cedars-Impregnable of Eye-And for an Everlasting Roof The Gambrels of the Sky-Of Visitors--the fairest-For Occupation--This-The spreading wide my narrow Hands To gather Paradise-
Received on Tue 29 Apr 2003 03:01:07 PM CDT