THE fields were bleak and sodden. Not a wing Or note enlivened the depressing wood, A soiled and sullen, stubborn snowdrift stood Beside the roadway. Winds came muttering Of storms to be, and brought the chilly sting Of icebergs in their breath. Stalled cattle mooed Forth plaintive pleadings for the earth's green food. No gleam, no hint of hope in anything. The sky was blank and ashen, like the face Of some poor wretch who drains life's cup too fast. Yet, swaying to and fro, as if to fling About chilled Nature its lithe arms of grace, Smiling with promise in the wintry blast, The optimistic Willow spoke of spring. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET: IN ABSENCE FROM BECCHINA by CECCO ANGIOLIERI DA SIENA CHILDREN by WALTER SAVAGE LANDOR IN A COPY OF OMAR KHAYYAM by JAMES RUSSELL LOWELL LOVE IN ARMOR by WILLIAM ROSE BENET A VIGNETTE by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN FAR EAST by EDMUND CHARLES BLUNDEN THE BEGINNING by RUPERT BROOKE |