The woods are calling to him in almost a seductive manner, to stop, to stay; but he is drawn back to reality by the behavior of his horse. “My little horse must think it queer” (5) for the speaker to stop in the dark on this lonely road, without anything around and to simply watch the snow. “He gives his harness bells a shake/to ask if there is some mistake” (9, 10) and returns the narrator back to the present, reminding him that although he is alone, he has responsibilities. He is tempted to stay longer, but acknowledges he has “…miles to go before I sleep” (14,15). His obligations of the day or in his life are pulling at him to continue on, to stop dawdling and live his
The woods are calling to him in almost a seductive manner, to stop, to stay; but he is drawn back to reality by the behavior of his horse. “My little horse must think it queer” (5) for the speaker to stop in the dark on this lonely road, without anything around and to simply watch the snow. “He gives his harness bells a shake/to ask if there is some mistake” (9, 10) and returns the narrator back to the present, reminding him that although he is alone, he has responsibilities. He is tempted to stay longer, but acknowledges he has “…miles to go before I sleep” (14,15). His obligations of the day or in his life are pulling at him to continue on, to stop dawdling and live his