Robert Frost at the Dismal Swamp

The first book of poetry that Robert Frost published in 1894 was a small volume entitled Twilight.  Frost’s self-published book was written as a gift for Elinor White, the woman he hoped would someday become his wife.  After dropping out of Dartmouth, Frost returned home and continued to long for Elinor.  Elinor, who was attending St. Lawrence University, thought it best to wait until they had both finished school and he could support a family.

Frost traveled to visit Elinor at her school and she refused to see him. He managed to present her with a copy of the book, but it did not change Elinor’s feelings about his rushed marriage plans.  In a rage, Frost tore up the last copy of his book, Twilight, and returned home before setting out for the Dismal Swamp.

From Norfolk he walked to Deep Creek and began following one of the logging roads built alongside the Dismal Swamp Canal.  Frost traveled deep within the swamp, becoming more at peace with the thought of death after being rejected by the love of his life.  Out of nowhere, Frost saw a light and realized the swamp was not the life he wanted.  He quickly caught a ride to Elizabeth City and returned home.

In 1895, with Robert having sold his first poem, Elinor agreed to marry him.  One of the last poems Frost wrote, Kitty Hawk, mentions the depression he suffered from Elinor’s rejection and eye opening journey into the Dismal Swamp.  

 Kitty Hawk
When I came here young
Out and down along
Past Elizabeth City
Sixty years ago
I was, to be sure,
Out of sorts with Fate,
Wandering to and fro
In the earth alone,
You might think too poor
Spirited to care
Who I was or where

Source:
Kitty Hawk – Classical Education Institute
 
Robert Frost in the Dismal Swamp | Literary Traveler
 
http://www.dailyadvance.com/Lifestyles-Columnists/2018/07/15/071518albemarlecolumn.html?fullsize=1&item

Photo: http://www.americaslibrary.gov/jb/modern/jb_modern_frost_2_e.html