'Flood , The' by Robert Lee Frost

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Blood has been harder to dam back than water.
Just when we think we have it impounded safe
Behind new barrier walls (and let it chafe!),
It breaks away in some new kind of slaughter.
We choose to say it is let loose by the devil;
But power of blood itself releases blood.
It goes by might of being such a flood
Held high at so unnatural a level.
It will have outlet, brave and not so brave.
weapons of war and implements of peace
Are but the points at which it finds release.
And now it is once more the tidal wave
That when it has swept by leaves summits stained.
Oh, blood will out. It cannot be contained.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Masterpiece of Despair and Hope: Robert Frost's Poetry, Flood

What is it about floods that have captured the imagination of poets and storytellers throughout history? Perhaps it's the destructive power of water, the way it can sweep away everything in its path and leave a landscape transformed. Or maybe it's the way floods remind us of our vulnerability in the face of nature's fury, a reminder that we are small and insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Whatever the reason, floods have been a popular subject in literature for centuries, from ancient myths to contemporary poetry.

One of the most famous poems about floods is Robert Frost's aptly titled "Flood." Written in 1913, "Flood" is a haunting meditation on the destructive power of nature and the resilience of the human spirit. In just fourteen lines, Frost manages to capture the full range of emotions that floods inspire – fear, despair, hope, and ultimately, acceptance.

At its core, "Flood" is a poem about survival. It's about the way that people can endure even the most devastating events and find a way to carry on. Frost begins the poem with a vivid description of the flood itself, using stark, simple language to convey the overwhelming power of the water:

Blood has been harder to dam back than water.
Just when we think we have it impounded safe
Behind new barrier walls (and let it chafe!),
It breaks away in some new kind of slaughter.

The metaphor of blood being harder to dam back than water is a powerful one, implying that the flood is not just a natural disaster, but something more primal and elemental. The use of the word "slaughter" is also significant, suggesting that the flood is not just a force of nature, but a violent, almost malevolent entity.

As the poem progresses, Frost shifts his focus from the flood itself to the people who are affected by it. He describes how they try to protect themselves from the water, building barriers and walls to keep it at bay. But no matter what they do, the flood always finds a way to break through:

It cowers behind new barrier hills
And sends strange messages of dots and dashes.
Fatigue is everywhere, the fingers fumble,
The hand slips on the axe, the tongue is weak.

Here, Frost is capturing the sense of fatigue and desperation that often accompanies disasters like floods. Even the strongest among us can grow weary in the face of such devastation. And yet, despite the overwhelming odds against them, the people in Frost's poem refuse to give up. They continue to struggle on, even when all hope seems lost:

Silent, but fighting thoughts in the mind,
We picture ways of killing or of dying –
Anything rather than the emerald moss
That grows on the bank by the darkening water.

This is perhaps the most powerful and poignant moment in the poem. Frost is suggesting that, in the face of such a terrible disaster, people will do anything to survive, even if it means contemplating their own death. And yet, even in the midst of this despair, there is a glimmer of hope. The image of the "emerald moss" growing by the water suggests that life will go on, even after the flood has receded.

In the final lines of the poem, Frost returns to the image of the flood itself, describing how it eventually "recedes and leaves a shining field." This is a powerful image of renewal and rebirth, suggesting that even the most devastating events can lead to a new beginning. Frost's use of the word "shining" is also significant, suggesting that the aftermath of the flood is not just a blank slate, but something that is filled with potential and possibility.

In conclusion, "Flood" is a masterpiece of literary craftsmanship, a poem that captures the full range of emotions that floods inspire – fear, despair, hope, and ultimately, acceptance. Frost's use of stark, simple language and powerful metaphors creates an unforgettable portrait of people struggling to survive in the face of a natural disaster. And yet, even in the midst of all this despair, there is a glimmer of hope, a sense that life will go on, even after the flood has receded. It is a powerful message of resilience and strength, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are capable of enduring and overcoming whatever challenges life may throw our way.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Poetry Flood: A Masterpiece by Robert Lee Frost

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and convey deep meanings. Robert Lee Frost, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, was a master of this craft. His poem, The Poetry Flood, is a classic example of his genius. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, literary devices, and meanings behind this masterpiece.

The poem begins with a description of a flood of poetry that has inundated the world. Frost writes, "The world is flooded with a deluge of verse, / And all the poets are out for a swim." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It suggests that there is an abundance of poetry in the world, and that poets are eager to immerse themselves in it.

The first stanza of the poem introduces the idea that there are many different types of poetry. Frost writes, "There's sonnets and ballads and odes and free verse, / And rhyming and blank and heroic and terse." This line highlights the diversity of poetry and suggests that there is something for everyone. It also sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the different types of poetry in more detail.

The second stanza of the poem focuses on the idea that poetry can be both beautiful and dangerous. Frost writes, "Some poetry's lovely, some poetry's dire, / And some of it sets your hair on fire." This line suggests that poetry can be both uplifting and disturbing. It also suggests that poetry has the power to move people in profound ways.

The third stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry can be used for both good and evil. Frost writes, "Some poetry's used to inspire and heal, / And some of it's used to deceive and steal." This line suggests that poetry can be a force for good or evil, depending on how it is used. It also suggests that poets have a responsibility to use their craft wisely.

The fourth stanza of the poem focuses on the idea that poetry can be both personal and universal. Frost writes, "Some poetry's private, some poetry's shared, / And some of it's written for all to beared." This line suggests that poetry can be both intimate and public. It also suggests that poetry has the power to connect people across time and space.

The fifth stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry can be both simple and complex. Frost writes, "Some poetry's easy, some poetry's hard, / And some of it's written in code or in card." This line suggests that poetry can be both accessible and challenging. It also suggests that poetry can be a puzzle to be solved.

The sixth stanza of the poem focuses on the idea that poetry can be both traditional and innovative. Frost writes, "Some poetry's ancient, some poetry's new, / And some of it's written in ways that are blue." This line suggests that poetry can be both rooted in tradition and open to experimentation. It also suggests that poetry can be a reflection of the times in which it is written.

The seventh stanza of the poem explores the idea that poetry can be both serious and humorous. Frost writes, "Some poetry's solemn, some poetry's gay, / And some of it's written in a humorous way." This line suggests that poetry can be both weighty and lighthearted. It also suggests that poetry can be a source of joy and laughter.

The eighth and final stanza of the poem brings all of these ideas together. Frost writes, "So let the poetry flood, let it flow and let it be, / For poetry's the soul of humanity." This line suggests that poetry is essential to the human experience. It also suggests that poetry has the power to capture the essence of what it means to be human.

Throughout the poem, Frost employs a number of literary devices to convey his message. These include rhyme, repetition, and metaphor. For example, the repetition of the phrase "some poetry" in each stanza emphasizes the diversity of poetry. The metaphor of the flood suggests that poetry is a powerful force that cannot be contained.

In conclusion, The Poetry Flood is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the many facets of this art form. Through his use of language and literary devices, Robert Lee Frost conveys the idea that poetry is diverse, powerful, and essential to the human experience. This poem is a testament to Frost's genius and a reminder of the enduring power of poetry.

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