How I Go to the Woods
How I Go to the Woods - meaning Summary
Solitude as Private Prayer
The poem presents solitude in nature as a private form of attention and prayer. The speaker goes alone so she can act freely, listen closely, and feel unobserved enough to become part of the landscape. Her final admission changes the poem's view of solitude: bringing someone into this intimate practice is not casual companionship, but a sign of deep love and trust.
Read Complete AnalysesOrdinarily, I go to the woods alone, with not a single friend, for they are all smilers and talkers and therefore unsuitable. I don’t really want to be witnessed talking to the catbirds or hugging the old black oak tree. I have my way of praying, as you no doubt have yours. Besides, when I am alone I can become invisible. I can sit on the top of a dune as motionless as an uprise of weeds, until the foxes run by unconcerned. I can hear the almost unhearable sound of the roses singing. If you have ever gone to the woods with me, I must love you very much.
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