Ahh – the imagery of “Mending Wall,” “Birches,” “The Road Not Taken,” “Fire and Ice,” and “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening.” The words Robert Frost used to create pictures and emotions, make him my favorite poet.

Often we love to read or listen to stories about the familiar things in our lives, the things that give us those good feelings. Frost was born in California but moved to Massachusetts after his father died of tuberculosis. He grew up rambling the hills and farmlands he so often wrote about. Here I am in Appalachia looking for those open spaces and quiet walks that I grew up with. The memories and emotions associated with those memories are comforting as well as disturbing because I’m not sure how to share those peaceful times with my children and grandchildren.

The poetry of Robert Frost is one way that I can share. I find reading them to children opens up conversations. It reminds me of ways to help my children experience “Mending Walls” and “The Road Not Taken.” Poetry is usually a quick read well suited for children’s attention span. It evokes the desire to see the birches and bend their limbs, to travel a different trail, or go down into “The Pasture” to see a new calf.

Adventures and experiences challenge our children to draw, paint, and write. They free children from the chains of technology. We too must be willing to free ourselves, to live in the freedom of the masterful creation. A few lines of poetry and a willingness to be free can release us and our children from the daily stresses of the modern rush.

In need of a little freedom today. Gail Cartee

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