Made aware. . .

The Silken Tent

by Robert Frost

She is as in a field a silken tent

At midday when the sunny summer breeze

Has dried the dew and all its ropes relent,

So that in guys it gently sways at ease,

And its supporting central cedar pole,

That is its pinnacle to heavenward

And signifies the sureness of the soul,

Seems to owe naught to any single cord,

But strictly held by none, is loosely bound

By countless silken ties of love and thought

To every thing on earth the compass round,

And only by one's going slightly taut

In the capriciousness of summer air

Is of the slightest bondage made aware.

Nate Notes

This is one of Mr. Frost's lesser know pieces, yet in my opinion, one of his most profound. Like most of his other poems there is no condoning or condemnation, just observation. This poem is about interconnectedness. For a fascinating exercise, consider the relationships depicted in this piece from the vantage point of each element; the silken tent, the cedar pole, the summer air. Then compare this with human nature. . . how many of us at the pinnacle of our surety of soul are only aware of our interconnectedness when a capricious summer air pulls one of our chords taught?