<P> The text of the poem describes the thoughts of a lone rider (the speaker), pausing at night in his travel to watch snow falling in the woods . It ends with him reminding himself that, despite the loveliness of the view, "I have promises to keep, / And miles to go before I sleep ." </P> <P> In the early morning of November 23, 1963, Sid Davis of Westinghouse Broadcasting reported the arrival of President John F. Kennedy's casket to the White House . As Frost was one of the President's favorite poets, Davis concluded his report with a passage from this poem but was overcome with emotion as he signed off . </P> <P> At the funeral of former Canadian prime minister Pierre Trudeau, on October 3, 2000, his eldest son Justin rephrased the last stanza of this poem in his eulogy: "The woods are lovely, dark and deep . He has kept his promises and earned his sleep ." </P>

Historical context of stopping by woods on a snowy evening