Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening paints a beautiful picture of a different time. A horse and rider take time to stop and watch the snow falling in the woods. It sounds like a painting. Yet, much more is going on here than appreciation of nature. The meaning of the poem is that the only character is about to go on a long journey to fulfill a promise. The promise is a great responsibility. The promise might be going to war, taking care of a loved one who is ill, or just taking a moment to rest before resuming the normal responsibilities of life.
The first stanza ...