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Miles To Go Before I Sleep


Miles To Go Before I Sleep
Photo Information
Copyright: Robert Janovski (robiuk) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1962 W: 172 N: 2214] (9509)
Genre: People
Medium: Black & White
Date Taken: 2007-04
Categories: Decisive Moment
Camera: Canon EOS 400D
Exposure: f/5.6, 1/1600 seconds
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-04-17 14:49
Viewed: 632
Points: 19
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening

Whose woods these are I think I know.
His house is in the village, though;
He will not see me stopping here
To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer
To stop without a farmhouse near
Between the woods and frozen lake
The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound’s the sweep
Of easy wind and downy flake.

These woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.


Robert Frost



"What about the poem? People argue about what it means. Some critics say there is a deathwish in it, in reference to the fact that he has left the main road, is trespassing and heading toward the frozen lake. Few readers seem to know that Frost himself commented about the poem. It had a very private and personal meaning. Frost had gone to town to buy toys for his children. But what he found was too expensive and other shops were closed. He was out of work and very poor. It was Christmas Eve and his children were eagerly hoping for presents from Santa. He is coming back with an empty wagon. The night has gotten late and he takes a shortcut. It is the darkest evening of the year, not only because of the calendar, but because of his great sadness. He stops for a moment with his horse as his one companion, although the poor animal cannot understand what is wrong. The man’s promises to keep are with his family. No matter how bad he feels, he cannot die and he cannot run away. They are depending upon him.

The older I get, the more this poem means to me. A priest embraces his “aloneness” and yet sometimes you wish there was a family with which to share the journey with all its joys and sorrows. You work throughout the day and sometimes late into the night. The phone rings and a dying woman needs the Last Rites. There is a knock at the door and a beggar is freezing from the cold and hungry. The Archdiocese calls you, not to see how you are doing or to let you know you are appreciated, but asking where is the recent assessment and why haven’t you mailed in the recent list of Finance Committee members.

I wish I could take my day off. I know Lord, all I seem to do is complain. What is that God? Yes, you are right, I will try not to forget– “Take up your cross and follow me.” You know I will. Promises are made to be kept. My father taught me that. To the very end, I am yours…

But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep."


Father Joe
mesquens, Galeota, eza1701, singuanti, designsoul, wilkinsonsg, Luko has marked this note useful
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ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Luko: What a strange...robiuk 1 05-10 18:34
To Galeota: Answersrobiuk 3 04-19 15:18
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Critiques [Translate]

Funny! But the shot isn´t good because there are much noise.
Best wishes
raimundo

Hello Robert, this is a striking photograph and most certainly a puzzling note (perhaps my english isn't subtle enough). Who is father Joe? Who exactly is commenting on Robert Frost's poem? Is it you? Do you know this man of whom you took the portrait? How do you personally relate to your own photograph and your comment?

Hi Robi,

Great candid shot and the grainy feel works really well. I like the thought provoking note too although it's too much to think of before I go to bed :o)

Best regards,
Paul.

Hi Robi. I totally agree with you on this one with making it b/w. The level of sharpness and details on the man’s face is awesome. The car window adds an interesting backdrop to the man. Excellent work Robi.

A disturbing, exquisite, very mysterious and no doubt striking portrait, Robi, with Frost's wonderful poem that accompanies it and allows for an even wider interpretation as it were. Simply superb. Love the graininess, the enigma you present, this ultimate enigma that we face no doubt...
Did you read Tony Hendra's book?
Hats off to you, my friend
sasa

  • Great 
  • pgorod Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 379 W: 64 N: 306] (1114)
  • [2007-04-18 11:09]

The photo is intense. The poem is intense. The rest of the note is intense.

I don't think there's too much noise, it's just fine. This isn't a technical contest...

This is very elegantly composed, not easy given the circumstances. Congratulations.

Intriguing note - I wondered at first who was father Joe - I saw your reply to Galeota so that answers that, the POV and B&W is well done - a very well presented image - well done :)

  • Great 
  • cam Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1719 W: 74 N: 2168] (8376)
  • [2007-04-19 8:24]

Hi Robert
Very profound thought(my English is failing me here)that sets us thinking.The kind of thought taht keeps us going.
Even priest have families,the same as us,parents,brothers and sisters...but also their parishers are their family,on another level.

And lets cherish the few,who takes the time to say thank you or tell us how they appreciate what we are doing.

Saw your answer to Galeota,which gives more insight on the photo,more light should I say.
A good complement.

Reminds me of my wife,on long and not so long,distance driving.

Have a good day
Charles

I hope he wasn't driving at the time!
This is a great candid shot, and it has a real humour to it. The fact that the guy is a priest only adds to the humour and impact of the image.
It works well in black and white, and I'm guessing that you added a bit of noise here. Or maybe you were shooting at a high ISO setting? Either way, I think the noise gives the image 'bit'.
Good work Robert, I like it.

Cheers,
Ben

  • Great 
  • Luko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2706 W: 503 N: 2854] (13479)
  • [2007-04-26 8:47]
  • [+]

What a strange portrait...
What a strange processing...
What a strange character with a strange occupation (vicar I guess)...
What a strange image halfway between life and... elsewhere.. a somnanbulist image...

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