Provide, Provide
Provide, Provide - context Summary
Published 1936 in a Further Range
"Provide, Provide" was published in 1936 in Robert Frost's collection A Further Range. The poem reflects Frost's wry, pragmatic view of aging, reputation, and social survival during the interwar era. Rather than offering consolation, it counsels precaution: secure friends, wealth, or status to avoid a humiliating decline. Its tone mixes satire and hard-headed realism, treating decline as predictable and advising preemptive measures. The poem connects to Frost's broader concerns about time, mortality, and the social consequences of lost youth and esteem.
Read Complete AnalysesThe witch that came (the withered hag) To wash the steps with pail and rag Was once the beauty Abishag, The picture pride of Hollywood. Too many fall from great and good For you to doubt the likelihood. Die early and avoid the fate. Or if predestined to die late, Make up your mind to die in state. Make the whole stock exchange your own! If need be occupy a throne, Where nobody can call you crone. Some have relied on what they knew, Others on being simply true. What worked for them might work for you. No memory of having starred Atones for later disregard Or keeps the end from being hard. Better to go down dignified With boughten friendship at your side Than none at all. Provide, provide!
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