When off in the distance,

The foxes call at night,

I would hide under the bed clothes,

I’d make the world disappear,

Save for some fingers, head, and nose.

The steady march of my father,

Stepping on the floorboards,

Played the same song each night,

Until the march became a shuffle,

And his life became a fight.

Some sounds went all un-noticed,

With the days, the weeks, the life,

Thousands of days become pressed,

Into thoughts, work, children, Europe, wife.

But then the years can’t hold back everything

Try as memory might,

Hold back thoughts of wheat fields,

When off in the distance,

The foxes call at night.

Critique

The poem “When Foxes Call At Night” beautifully captures the reflective and nostalgic style reminiscent of Robert Frost. Here’s a critique:

**Strengths:**

1. **Immersive Imagery:**
– The poem employs vivid imagery to paint a picture of a moment in time. The reference to hiding under the bedclothes and the steady march of the father creates a tangible atmosphere, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the scene.

2. **Reflective Tone:**
– The reflective and contemplative tone aligns well with the style of Robert Frost. The contemplation on the passing of time, the unnoticed moments, and the inevitable changes in life evokes a sense of nostalgia and introspection.

3. **Rhythmic Flow and Meter:**
– The poem follows a rhythmic flow with a structured meter, reminiscent of Frost’s style. The use of regular beats contributes to the overall musicality and readability of the poem.

**Considerations:**

1. **Punctuation for Emphasis:**
– While the poem maintains a Frost-like simplicity, experimenting with punctuation could add emphasis and nuance to certain lines. Consider using commas, dashes, or ellipses strategically to guide the reader’s pace and understanding.

2. **Expansion of Themes:**
– The poem hints at profound themes, such as the passage of time and the unnoticed aspects of life. Consider expanding on these themes to provide deeper insights or explore specific memories and their impact on the speaker’s perspective.

3. **Consistent Verb Tense:**
– The poem shifts between past and present tense, which can slightly disrupt the flow. Consistency in verb tense could help maintain a smoother narrative and temporal coherence.

4. **Ending Resonance:**
– While the closing line is evocative, ensuring that the final thought resonates strongly with the overarching theme could enhance the impact of the poem. Consider amplifying the connection between the wheat fields and the call of foxes for a more resonant conclusion.

In summary, “When Foxes Call At Night” effectively captures the spirit of Robert Frost’s style, offering immersive imagery and a reflective tone. Fine-tuning punctuation, maintaining consistent verb tense, expanding on themes, and ensuring a resonant ending could further enhance the poem’s overall impact.