This poem explores the theme of isolation and loneliness through the character of an old man who gathers gum from the ground. He is a solitary figure, disconnected from society, and his actions are driven by a sense of purpose rather than human connection. The poem highlights the tension between the natural world and human existence, with the old man's actions serving as a reminder of the transience of life.
By Robert Frost · First published 1947 · Genre: Poetry, Pastoral, Narrative