Original Poem:
"Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening" by Robert Frost
Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
Paraphrased Poem:
A Moment's Pause
I know who owns these quiet woods,
Though his home's miles away, in the village.
He won't see me standing here,
As snowflakes blanket the trees.
My weary horse is confused,
We're miles from a place to rest.
The day is fading, the air is chill,
And the world is hushed.
He shivers, his bells jingle,
Asking why we've stopped.
Only the wind whispers,
As snow falls soft and deep.
The woods are inviting, serene and vast,
But I have tasks to complete.
My journey is long, my sleep is far,
So I must move on, with miles to traverse.
Changes Made:
* Title: Changed to a more general and descriptive title.
* Language: Simplified the language, replacing archaic words and phrases.
* Meter and Rhyme: Removed the strict rhyme scheme and meter for a more conversational tone.
* Focus: Emphasized the speaker's internal struggle and the beauty of the natural world.
* Structure: Streamlined the verses for a more direct and concise flow.
This paraphrased version retains the essence of the original poem but presents it in a more accessible and contemporary style. It focuses on the theme of the speaker's internal conflict between the allure of nature and the demands of duty, while also highlighting the beauty and stillness of the winter landscape.