The Freedom of the Moon
The Freedom of the Moon - context Summary
Published in 1928
This poem was published in 1928 in Robert Frost’s collection West-Running Brook. It uses a simple rural scene — a crescent moon observed and then "placed" in different settings — to explore perception and imaginative control. Frost presents the speaker’s ability to move the moon by walking and altering vantage, suggesting a playful but deliberate shaping of nature through attention and art. The poem fits the collection’s focus on New England landscape and on how human consciousness interacts with, interprets, and transforms the natural world.
Read Complete AnalysesI’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.
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