Robert Frost performs his poem “Birches” in this audio clip. I enjoyed hearing how this famous poet’s voice actually sounds as well as how Frost chooses to pace his poem. Wouldn’t this be interesting audio to share and discuss with students?
“Birches” includes excellent nature and seasonal imagery and many memorable, descriptive excerpts. I also especially like when Frost, in one line of the poem, asks, “Now am I free to be poetical?”—demonstrating that poems can be conversational and ask questions of the reader.
Listen to Robert Frost perform “Birches”
One favorite excerpt:
Soon the sun’s warmth makes them shed crystal shells
Shattering and avalanching on the snow-crust–
Such heaps of broken glass to sweep away
You’d think the inner dome of heaven had fallen.
Poetry Friday is hosted at Paper Tigers this week.
Posted by Danika Brubaker, MLS, Author and Publisher Liaison Librarian
The inner dome of heaven… Yes, beautiful. Thanks, Danika!
I agree it is great to hear poets reading their own work, and it can extend a coonection to a peom – but at the same time there is something about the way poets of that time read that I find a bit alienating – there’s a particular tone for reading poetry!
I didn’t know Ed Young had illustrated the poem – I’m going to have to look out for it!