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Robert Frost - The Cow In Apple-Time

Something inspires the only cow of late
To make no more of a wall than an open gate,
And think no more of wall-builders than fools.
Her face is flecked with pomace and she drools
A cider syrup. Having tasted fruit,
She scorns a pasture withering to the root.
She runs from tree to tree where lie and sweeten.
The windfalls spiked with stubble and worm-eaten.
She leaves them bitten when she has to fly.
She bellows on a knoll against the sky.
Her udder shrivels and the milk goes dry.

Added: on January 23rd, 2006 at 11:44 AM | Viewed: 7067 times | Comments and analysis of The Cow In Apple-Time by Robert Frost Comments (11)


The Cow In Apple-Time - Comments and Information

Poet: Robert Frost
Poem: 16. The Cow In Apple-Time
Volume: Mountain Interval
Year: Published/Written in 1916

Comment 11 of 11, added on April 2nd, 2007 at 11:14 AM.

the poem begins with the theme of simplicity: "to make no more of a wall than an open gate". The cow (obviously) lacks an analytical point of view that we, as humans, have developed the need to pursue the 'why' in virtually situation that rpesents itself.there is almost an expression of envy from frost, a jealousy that the cow is able to view things in such a simple manner. The poem then moves into how lush the cow is. the cow eats the windfallen apples as if there will be no tomorrow. As many things in life, too much of a good thing can be bad for you. The withering of the fall season mimics the (now) withering udders of the cow. frost uses the cow/farm situation as a metaphor for a deeper meaning.

siobhan from Canada
Comment 10 of 11, added on January 25th, 2006 at 5:36 PM.

i see the poem as having almost an adam and eve type theme... I also dont see it as a warning but an analysis on the human trait of always wanting more than what you have

ryan from United States
Comment 9 of 11, added on January 23rd, 2006 at 11:44 AM.

It is best to stay with the tried and true. The cow learns the hard way.

Taisha Turner

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