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Love from Afar"The Silken Tent," a sonnet by Robert Frost, is a poem which describes a love this is "blind," though the type of admiration felt for the woman is not an intimate type. Through his tone and symbolism, the poet accents the fact that he is observing this woman from afar and has yet to become intimately involved with her. By comparing his love to a silken tent, Frost has set the stage for a dramatic use of adjectives and symbolism that describe the position of luxury he has given this woman. He has put her on a pedestal and admires the way she appears to have no responsibilities but yet is at the same time responsible to everyone. The opening statement, "She is as in a field a silken tent" is a simile which describes the quality of classiness he feels this woman possesses. This class that she has makes her appear to be carefree with no obligations to anyone. In other words, he has indirectly stated that in this world of ordinary people she stands out and is beautiful and special, as a silken tent in a field would be. "At midday," when the sun is hottest and daily activity is at its peak, the silken tent is described as "gently sway[ing] at ease" but still supported by its "central cedar pole" that points "heavenward." This description of the tent applies to the woman he admires. He feels that through the hustle-bustle of everyday activity his love can still appear to be carefree, while still showing her inner strength to all. The responsibilities she has are taken care of with ease and the inner strength described as a "central cedar pole" pointing "heavenward" is her belief in God. The ties that this woman has to religion are evident in the qualities and characteristics she possesses. The phrase, "is loosely bound by countless silken ties/ of love and thought to everything on earth the compass round," emphasizes what a responsible and caring person she really is, though she may appear carefree. "Loosely bound" implies that outwardly she feels no obligations but yet her "silken ties of love and thought," or special acts of kindness, are shown to all who come in contact with her. The conclusion of this sonnet, "In the capriciousness of summer air/ Is of the slightest bondage made aware," sums up the poet's feelings for this woman. The "summer air" comes and goes and is whimsical as her obligations are evident only at certain times. There are times when her responsibilities are apparent to all around, and there are other times when she appears to not have a care in the world. Though she may appear to be carefree to others, to the poet she is always supported by her "central cedar pole" and has her life directed toward doing good for others. The tone and symbolism of this poem create an image of a woman with charm and grace that is evident to all that set eyes upon her. Though his love flows freely while describing this woman and the qualities she possesses, the poet makes no reference to having any direct contact with her. The observations are clearly made from afar, not ones that involve the sensation of touch or direct contact. He admires her for making life appear to be a straight path on which love and kindness are to be given to all while still having no direct obligation to anyone.
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