Nothing Gold Can Stay
by Robert Frost
I love Robert Frost’s poem Nothing Gold Can Stay because of the simple language and the description of how time comes and goes so quickly. Frost uses the essence of time captured in the description of nature’s greenness an how it never stays long. The greenness is the “golden age” of nature.
Angelique Mabanglo, 21
Student
San Jose
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I first read this poem in middle school, from the classic novel “The Outsiders”, a bildungsroman story detailing a young boy’s transition from childhood to adolescence. I am aware of the biblical allusions and the intricate analysis of synecdoche in this poem, yet to me it simply symbolizes how youth, success, or goodness never last forever. This poem encompassed the reality of growing up for me, and my bitter parting from Disney happily-ever-afters, the tooth fairy, princess themed birthday parties, and ultimately, my naivety. Although I am still young, my pure innocence is nevertheless my “hardest hue to hold” (Frost).
Moniyka Sachar
High School Student
Fremont
(Note from Poet Laureate: Though Moniyka resides just outside our county, I’m including her comments to this County submission to support High School students anywhere as readers of poetry. Thanks, Moniyka)
Nothing Gold Can Stay
Santa Clara County Poet Laureate Blog 