Hello Robert Frost

I’ve picked “Hyla Brook” as our poem for now through May. I have to admit I don’t know much about Robert Frost. I’ve never really studied his work in any other capacity besides reading him in some college overview of American poets. I also tend to really hate “The Road Not Taken” for the fact that it seems to be the only poem that Southern Baptist preachers know or use in sermons. (What’s the deal with that? Is it some prerequisite in seminary?)

But, friends, it’s time for me to read and appreciate Frost, despite my aversion to his most famous poem. I don’t know “Hyla Brook,” but I’m feeling drawn to its meditation on nature and its images. I really love “ghost of sleigh bells in a ghost of snow” and the “faded paper sheet” of the brook’s bed. I’m also drawn to the ending and what it means to “love the things we love.”

It seems proper that we should have this one in our heads before June actually hits and all the hylas (hylas are frogs as far as I know) are gone underground with the water. So, join me in memorizing and we can discuss more of what it means to “love the things we love for what they are.” And maybe, by the time I’m finished with Frost, he’ll be among the things I love.

If you know this poem or you have some deep reverence (or aversion) to Robert Frost, please share! I’d love to know what you think.

PS  Thanks to all of you who shared your thankfuls yesterday! It’s always such an encouragement for me to hear what’s great in your life. I love having you here.