When a friend calls to me from the road
And slows his horse to a meaning walk,
I don’t stand still and look around
On all the hills I haven’t hoed,
And shout from where I am, ‘What is it?’
No, not as there is a time talk.
I thrust my hoe in the mellow ground,
Blade-end up and five feet tall,
And plod: I go up to the stone wall
For a friendly visit.
A Time to Talk
Analysis, meaning and summary of Robert Frost's poem A Time to Talk
16 Comments
Leave a Reply
Do you have any comments, criticism, paraphrasis or analysis of this poem that you feel would assist other visitors in understanding the meaning or the theme of this poem by Robert Frost better? If accepted, your analysis will be added to this page of American Poems. Together we can build a wealth of information, but it will take some discipline and determination.
We need to be greatful that we were created God’s own image with ability to interact with each other by showing empathy, sympathy and compassion. The more we learn about and appreciate the friends we have, the more we make our life more valuable and meaningful. Let us value our friends and take time to talk but moreso listen to them.
Nothing
I really enjoyed this poem. This poem talks about the importance of friendship and making time for friends, even if it means postponing your work for a while, to take care of your friend.
I think Frost shows one of the most important values of the real world. He describes the human desires through his thoughts and feelings to find and meet a real friend where no friends could not find…
This poem paints the picture of frienship. It shows that a friend in need can stop time. It forces you to wonder how it would make the person who wants to talk feel by the way you answer him. It may be easier to just call over and ask what they want but to be a true friend is to give up your own time to be there for someone else and really try to listen. This is the kind of thing that friendship is valued on.
I really like this poem. We all know that work will help us live life…but so will friends. They help us through many times of lonelyness and depression. To give have it given back to them can mean the world to them…
I would have to agree with one of the comments stated previously. I do believe that this poem is saying that there is a Time do your work, and try to be beneficial and prosperous with your time. But that is not all that matters in life. When someone calls out for help- dont just stand at a distance and see what is wrong, you need to take time out of your busy life and go and see what they need. I mean, wouldnt you want them to do the same for you?
we all die, don’t waste your life on nothing but work. learn to enjoy and respect other people
THIS IS A GOOD POEM.IT IS MEANINGFULL.
Either This poem is telling you to be friendly or its telling you not to let the oppurtunity for a good rest go by.Ha!
I think in this poem, Mr Frost shows his that he has his priorities as a human being straight. Human interaction. We thrive on it.
“I think this poem is based on respect”
I like this poem.
its one of the best poems i have read so far.
i love it because i do the same thing mentioned
in it.
I luv it!!!
This is a great simple poem that sends a great message. When a friend takes time to stop and talk to you, don’t think about other things you have to do or problems you have, take some one-on-one time with that friend. Many people take advantage of being able to see their friends everyday, not everyone has that opportunity. So the next time you see a friend take a few minutes and have a quality conversation with them. Make the best of the few moments you have to spend with just them.
This is a beuatiful poem. It reminds me that even with all the horrible things going on, there can still bee time to sit down and talk and have fun–I would also like to attribute my English to my mother, and English anthropologist, who for reasons unknown, moved to Iraq in her twenties.