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The Freedom of the Moon
by Robert Frost
I've tried the new moon tilted in the air
Above a hazy tree-and-farmhouse cluster
As you might try a jewel in your hair.
I've tried it fine with little breadth of luster,
Alone, or in one ornament combining
With one first-water start almost shining.
I put it shining anywhere I please.
By walking slowly on some evening later,
I've pulled it from a crate of crooked trees,
And brought it over glossy water, greater,
And dropped it in, and seen the image wallow,
The color run, all sorts of wonder follow.
_____________________________
For as long as there have been people, there has been a deep fascination with the moon. Frost's poem provides an image-rich and readable example.
The Freedom of the Moon by Robert Frost is twelve lines, in two equal six-line stanzas, with an ABABCC rhyme scheme for each stanza. Each ine contains either 10 or 11 syllables.
In the first stanza, the Speaker describes the moon as something ornamental that he possesses, comparing it to a hair jewel set atop the trees and farmhouse buildings. He goes on to say in the poem's secondo stanza that he can place and view the moon wherever he likes, not only in the sky, but in the water also (via its reflection.)
The poem is rich in its visual imagery. But what is meant by the poem's title? Frost is a little bit unspecific as to his meaning on this front, choosing instead to leave that open to interpretation. He compares the moon to a valuable jewel. As we know he did not pay for it, then we see how valuable it is, despite it being "free." We also see the moon described as being used in a variety of ways. Its versatility conveys freedom of utility and movement. The Speaker of the poem is active throughout. We are shown that the freedom of the moon leads to his own freedom to choose how to use and enjoy its presence.
I love the imagery and the sense of contemplative ambiguity I'm left with in this piece. Are you a moon lover? What do you think the poet means by this title?
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