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Auspex by Robert Frost (1962)
Like “Once by the Pacific,” “Auspex” is inspired by another of Frost’s childhood experiences in California. An eagle swooped down on the young boy; Frost ran to his parents for protection. Again, the speaker attributes potential cosmic significance to this mundane event: The eagle’s attack resembles the abduction of the Trojan prince Ganymede by the Greek god Zeus. While Frost’s tone is firmly tongue-in-cheek here—he playfully resents his parents’ unwillingness to see the dangerous potential of the encounter—the speaker’s skewed, childlike perception of events recalls “Once by the Pacific.”
The Discovery of the Pacific by Thomas Gunn (1970)
Thomas Gunn was a British poet who lived in California. This poem offers a stark contrast to “Once by the Pacific.” Here, the ocean is not menacing or apocalyptic; instead, two young lovers enjoy looking out on it at sunset, leaning up against the back of their car. They have driven to the West Coast from Kansas. Another pleasant oceanic image sees them standing in the water up their chins, embracing and enjoying the lapping of the waves.
Fire and Ice by Robert Frost (1923)
Like “Once by the Pacific,” “Fire and Ice” is an apocalyptic poem that envisions the end of the world.
By Robert Frost
Acquainted with the Night
Acquainted with the Night
Robert Frost
After Apple-Picking
After Apple-Picking
Robert Frost
A Time To Talk
A Time To Talk
Robert Frost
Birches
Birches
Robert Frost
Dust of Snow
Dust of Snow
Robert Frost
Fire and Ice
Fire and Ice
Robert Frost
Mending Wall
Mending Wall
Robert Frost
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Robert Frost
October
October
Robert Frost
Out, Out—
Out, Out—
Robert Frost
Putting in the Seed
Putting in the Seed
Robert Frost
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Stopping By Woods On A Snowy Evening
Robert Frost
The Death of the Hired Man
The Death of the Hired Man
Robert Frost
The Gift Outright
The Gift Outright
Robert Frost
The Road Not Taken
The Road Not Taken
Robert Frost
West-Running Brook
West-Running Brook
Robert Frost