Winter (Poem by Duncan Campbell Scott)

Winter

(Song)

By Duncan Campbell Scott

Sing me a song of the dead world,

Of the great frost deep and still,

Of the sword of fire the wind hurled

            On the iron hill.

Sing me a song of the driving snow,

Of the reeling cloud and the smoky drift,

Where the sheeted wraiths like ghosts go

            Through the gloomy rift.

Sing me a song of the ringing blade,

Of the snarl and shatter the light ice makes,

Of the whoop and the swing of the snow-shoe raid

            Through the cedar brakes.

Sing me a song of the apple-loft,

Of the corn and the nuts and the mounds of meal,

Of the sweeping whir of the spindle soft,

            And the spinning-wheel.

Sing me a song of the open page,

Where the ruddy gleams of the firelight dance,

Where bends my love Armitage,

            Reading an old romance.

Sing me a song of the still nights,

Of the large stars steady and high,

The aurora darting its phosphor lights

            In the purple sky.

Poem Analysis:

"Winter" by Duncan Campbell Scott is a vivid and evocative poem that captures the essence of the winter season through rich imagery and sensory detail. Through its portrayal of the beauty and harshness of winter, the poem explores themes of stillness, transformation, and human connection.

Natural Elements: The poem begins by inviting the reader to "sing" of the "dead world," setting the tone for a contemplation of winter's stark beauty. Scott uses imagery of frost, snow, and ice to depict the cold and stillness of winter, painting a picture of a world transformed by the elements.

Contrasts: Throughout the poem, Scott juxtaposes images of stillness and movement, warmth and cold, light and darkness. The contrast between the "great frost deep and still" and the "ringing blade" of the snow-shoe raid highlights the dynamic nature of winter, where moments of tranquility are interrupted by bursts of activity.

Human Activity: Amidst the natural landscape, Scott includes scenes of human activity, such as the spinning-wheel and the open page of a book. These images serve to emphasize the contrast between the harshness of winter and the warmth and comfort found in human connections and domestic life.

Love and Romance: The poem also touches upon themes of love and romance, particularly in the stanza where the speaker's "love Armitage" is depicted reading an old romance by the firelight. This intimate moment provides a sense of warmth and companionship amidst the cold and darkness of winter.

Celestial Imagery: The poem concludes with imagery of the night sky, describing the "large stars steady and high" and the "aurora darting its phosphor lights." These celestial images evoke a sense of wonder and awe, suggesting that even in the depths of winter, there is beauty and magic to be found in the natural world.

In conclusion, "Winter" by Duncan Campbell Scott is a masterful exploration of the winter season, combining vivid imagery, sensory detail, and thematic depth to create a rich and evocative portrayal of the coldest season of the year. Through its depiction of both the harshness and the beauty of winter, the poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of nature and the human experience.