Wind and Window Flower (Poem by Robert Lee Frost)

Wind and Window Flower

By Robert Lee Frost

Lovers, forget your love,

    And list to the love of these,

She a window flower,

    And he a winter breeze.

When the frosty window veil

    Was melted down at noon,

And the cagèd yellow bird

    Hung over her in tune,

He marked her through the pane,

    He could not help but mark,

And only passed her by,

    To come again at dark.

He was a winter wind,

    Concerned with ice and snow,

Dead weeds and unmated birds,

    And little of love could know.

But he sighed upon the sill,

    He gave the sash a shake,

As witness all within

    Who lay that night awake.

Perchance he half prevailed

    To win her for the flight

From the firelit looking-glass

    And warm stove-window light.

But the flower leaned aside

    And thought of naught to say,

And morning found the breeze

    A hundred miles away.

Poem Analysis:

"Wind and Window Flower" by Robert Frost is a poignant exploration of unrequited love, using the imagery of a winter breeze and a window flower to convey themes of longing, distance, and missed opportunities. Through vivid and evocative language, Frost paints a picture of two beings—distinct in their nature yet connected by a shared sense of yearning.

Nature Imagery: The poem employs rich nature imagery to illustrate the contrast between the two characters: the window flower and the winter breeze. The flower, confined to the indoors and associated with warmth and comfort, represents fragility and vulnerability. In contrast, the winter breeze symbolizes transience, coldness, and detachment, highlighting the inherent tension between the characters' differing natures.

Unrequited Love: At its core, "Wind and Window Flower" explores the theme of unrequited love. The winter breeze, representing the suitor, is drawn to the window flower, longing for connection and companionship. However, the flower remains indifferent to the breeze's advances, symbolizing the pain and disappointment of unreciprocated affection. Despite the breeze's persistent efforts to win the flower's favor, it ultimately fails to elicit a response, emphasizing the inherent futility of its endeavors.

Symbolism of the Window: The window serves as a symbolic barrier separating the two characters, representing the divide between their respective worlds. While the breeze gazes longingly at the flower through the window, it remains unable to bridge the gap between them, highlighting the inherent limitations of communication and understanding in matters of the heart.

Themes of Longing and Isolation: Throughout the poem, Frost explores themes of longing and isolation, capturing the profound sense of loneliness experienced by both characters. The window flower, despite its beauty and grace, remains isolated within the confines of its surroundings, while the winter breeze traverses the desolate landscape in search of connection and belonging. Their mutual longing for companionship underscores the universal human experience of yearning for intimacy and connection in a world marked by distance and separation.

Resolution and Closure: The poem concludes with a sense of resignation and acceptance, as morning finds the winter breeze "A hundred miles away." Despite its efforts to win the flower's affection, the breeze ultimately accepts defeat and moves on, acknowledging the futility of its pursuit. The flower, meanwhile, remains unmoved by the breeze's departure, symbolizing the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of unrequited love.

In conclusion, "Wind and Window Flower" is a poignant exploration of unrequited love and the human experience of longing and isolation. Through its vivid imagery and evocative language, Frost invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human relationships and the enduring resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.