Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I thnk 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.

by Robert Frost (1874-1963)

Why do I start reading poems at this old age? Well, my daughter asked me. And, oh I admit, it is quite enjoyable. This one, I am sure many have read in their youth, is so pretty.

At a dark and cold hour, he needs to go on a long journey that is part of what he must do. Just outside of his village, he stopped and doubts rose up from his guts. Behind him is the familiar land and warm home. Ahead are miles of lonely and cold journey. He struggles.

The beautiful gateway is paired by this snow filled woods and the lake shore. All is quiet and waiting for his decision. He is still struggling. What's the big deal of promises? Why can't I go next week when the weather is better?

Yet he knew his decision even before coming to this point. No, there was no decision at all. Just need a moment to take a deep breath. Charge on.

Other poets wrote about the same, 王維 (Wang Wei) is my favorite in Chinese.