The Peaceful Shepherd

Portrait of Robert Frost
Robert Frost 1874–1963
17West-Running Brook

If heaven were to do again, And on the pasture bars, I leaned to line the figures in Between the dotted starts,

I should be tempted to forget, I fear, the Crown of Rule, The Scales of Trade, the Cross of Faith, As hardly worth renewal.

For these have governed in our lives, And see how men have warred. The Cross, the Crown, the Scales may all As well have been the Sword.

From the bookWest-Running BrookFront cover with pictorial label, Henry Holt, 1928; library copy

Keep reading

Discover more of Robert Frost’s poetry.

Explore all poems

Readers

Reader discussion 3 comments

Add your reading ↓
Readers
3
Longest reading
Kayla33 words
  1. Brianna Smith United States

    This poem from Robert Frost may not be the most popular one but it definitely has a good meaning to it. I enjoyed it a lot.

  2. Sherry Banati India

    This poem sounds like a shepherd's reckless yet profound thoughts while star gazing.

  3. Kayla United States

    I like how he put all the subjects of Christ in perspective. He makes you think about the poem and he also teaches you more different things about the three things of Christ

Your turn

Shown with your comment.

Never published. Only so we can reach you.

Comments are read before they appear. See our terms.