The Ovenbird by Robert Frost

[kellyrfineman]

The poem I picked to start out my poetry collection posts is "The Ovenbird" by Robert Frost, first published in his collection Mountain Interval in 1916. Oftentimes the lines that come unbidden to my mind are the final two, but today, it was the third-to-last line: "But that he knows in singing not to sing

Comments

[kellyrfineman]

Thanks Colleen!

[liz_scanlon]

What to make of a diminished thing.
I love that in an achey, achey way.
Thank you for all the poetry wisdom and beauty you bring us, Kelly, and happy birthday...

[kellyrfineman]

Yeah - I love that poem with a really big love. Must ponder what tomorrow's choice will be . . .

Thanks for the birthday wishes.

[juliakarr]

I love it and your thoughtful remarks about it. I have little knowledge of the "formal workings" of poetry - although I love to write poems. So, I enjoy getting information that makes sense to me about the art form itself.

[kellyrfineman]

I try. Too many folks are afraid of poetry, I think, and it's one of the great joys in my life, so I like trying to make it seem more approachable for folks.

[kellyrfineman]

Thanks Melodye!

[p_sunshine]

I think I'll stick with it being a nature poem. It makes more sense to me that way. I realize that literalness is my own limitation, but I don't understand it as a war poem.

[kellyrfineman]

That's one of the great beauties of Frost's work. It works on a literal level, and on hidden levels as well, and it's best to take what you like and leave the rest. Reminds me of this wonderful poem by Billy Collins

[janel_harrison]

What a gorgeous poem...And a very Happy Birthday to you birthday girl! Hope your day is special doing what you love most to do:)

[kellyrfineman]

Thanks Janel! The income tax portion of the day was not so much fun, but now I'm going to read a bit and perhaps catch a nap before dinner - much more to my liking!