Can anyone explain the poem - THE VAGABOND by RL Stevenson?

Question

Also Can provide some links to the meaning, summary or explanation of the lines of the poem...

Can u explain a few important lines at least

Let the blow fall soon or late,

Let what will be o'er me;

Give the face of earth around

And the road before me.

Or let autumn fall on me

Where afield I linger,

Silencing the bird on tree,

Biting the blue finger.

White as meal the frosty field -

Warm the fireside haven -

Not to autumn will I yield,

Not to winter even!

Answer 1

It's about the endless search of a poet or pious man (which is  ironic because this is supposed to be a vagabond having these thoughts which is a character that one does not readily attribute such deepness too).

It's about that sick feeling that you'll never know your purpose, or the true essence of the things around you.

It's about knowing the path, but not walking it, and discovering that when you do walk, that it is not leading anywhere.

It's also the about peace one receives when they let go of the mad questioning of purpose and just live. But it is also about not letting go until the true meaning and purpose is found.

It seems this guy is really struggling with this, and is losing his frost-bitten limbs in the process. As life slowly dies out of his body, he wants to find something to replace it, but it is only a cold world that seems to be filling in the gaps. It seems the only thing keeping him alive is the search, and so he clings to it.

Answer 2

Let the blow fall soon or late, - this means death

Let what will be o'er me; - allowing things to happen in their own way

Give the face of earth around

And the road before me. - he is a tramp and all he wants is to be in the countryside and walking the roads

Or let autumn fall on me

Where afield I linger,

Silencing the bird on tree,

Biting the blue finger.

White as meal the frosty field -

Warm the fireside haven -

Not to autumn will I yield,

Not to winter even! - this part is about the difficulties of living outside in the open air when it is getting cold.  He is saying that even though life if tough in the winter he will carry on living his life walking from place to place which is what tramps do.

This poem is from a set called Songs of Travel.  I've given you a link to see the rest of them.