A Time to Talk
by Robert Frost
| 5 | 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?” |
| 10 | No, not as there is a time to 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. |
Making Meanings
1. In your opinion, what is the most important word or phrase in this poem? Why? (If you prefer, state in your own words what the poem says to you.)
2. Frost describes two ways to act toward a friend. What are they? Which one does he seem to think is better?
3. Which rhyme echoes across five lines? How does this rhyme help to emphasize the main idea in the poem?
4. What might the stone wall in line 9 represent? What kinds of “walls” do people build that keep them apart?
5. What, if anything, would be a good reason not to take time to talk with someone you care about? Or: Do you feel that you always need to talk when you’re with friends? Why or why not?
Choices: Building Your Portfolio
1. Collecting Ideas for an Autobiographical Incident
Think of an occasion when you took time or didn’t take time to talk with someone or when someone took time or didn’t take time to talk with you. Jot down your memories of and feelings about the incident. Why was it important to you?
2. A Time for Poetry
Write a poem about what you think being a friend means. You may want to use this format, which is like Frost’s poem:
When a friend __________
I don’t _______________.
No, not as there is a time to __________________.
I ___________________.
3. This Is Just to Say
Is there someone you wish would listen to you? Write a letter telling that person what you’d like to say.
4. “Collage” Education
Using words and pictures cut out of magazines and newspapers, make a collage about friendship or about talk.
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