Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

I recall having to memorize a Robert Frost poem in middle school. Poetry was not my greatest academic accomplishment but Frost's words spoke to me. My favorite Frost poem is Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening.

Remember the story of a traveler and his horse on a cold, snowy night?

Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though;

He will not see me stopping here

To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer

To stop without a farmhouse near

Between the woods and frozen lake

The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake

To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound's the sweep

Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep,

And miles to go before I sleep,

And miles to go before I sleep.

I just learned that this poem was illustrated as a children's book by Susan Jeffers. How Exciting! This will certainly make William's winter reading list this year.

Here's an excerpt from Amazon.com.

Robert Frost's well-known poem takes on new life in its first picture-book adaptation. The poem--long appreciated for its strong rhythm and evocative images--leaves readers wondering, "Where was the man going on the darkest night of the year?" and "Why on earth did he stop by the woods in a snowstorm?" Artist Susan Jeffers answers these questions visually--the kindly older gentleman who narrates the poem stops his sleigh to feed the forest birds and creatures. He stops once more to visit his daughter and grandchildren, then is off again through a blizzard, with many miles to go before he can sleep. The silent beauty of a snowy night shines through Jeffers's artwork; the man's clothing and blanket are the only bright touches of color in the white and wintry world of the woods. This quiet yet powerful book has a magic all its own.

I can't wait to read this book with my son - hopefully the illustrations will help to inspire his interest in Frost!