Poetry Sunday: February by Edith Nesbit

We have made it through January and Monday the calendar turns to February. Edith Nesbit vividly describes this month which is still mostly brown and gray.

The trees stand brown against the gray,
The shivering gray of field and sky;

It's still winter, even here, but by the end of this month things will begin to green up and spring will be right around the corner. 

February

by Edith Nesbit

The trees stand brown against the gray,
The shivering gray of field and sky;
The mists wrapt round the dying day
The shroud poor days wear as they die:
Poor day, die soon, who lived in vain,
Who could not bring my Love again!

Down in the garden breezes cold
Dead rustling stalks blow chill between;
Only, above the sodden mould,
The wallflower wears his heartless green
As though still reigned the rose-crowned year
And summer and my Love were here.

The mists creep close about the house,
The empty house, all still and chill;
The desolate and trembling boughs
Scratch at the dripping window sill:
Poor day lies drowned in floods of rain,
And ghosts knock at the window pane.

Comments

  1. Edith never lived in the north obviously. Miriam were out and about yesterday in pristine, white snow set against the gleam of conifers and the vivid scarlet of cardinals, keeping company with brilliant Blue Jays. It was nothing short of delightful.

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  2. This is really nice verse.

    I am looking forward to the end of winter. Here in New York we do not have much greening at the end of February, but the end is insight.

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    Replies
    1. In some years, our "spring" actually starts in February but we've had a relatively cold winter here thanks to La Niña so I think it will probably come in March this year. But, as you say, whenever it comes, it is something we all look forward to.

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  3. Replies
    1. February viewed as a symbol of lost love - poignant indeed.

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  4. We are under a winter storm warning right now. The latest prediction is 10 to 14 inches by Tuesday. So I can identify with this, except the rain part. For us, spring comes way later than the end of February. It's a long slog, well worth a poem or two.

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    Replies
    1. I saw the story of the expected storm in the news earlier. It sounds serious. Stay safe, Alana.

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  5. I wonder why the house is empty? I guess it's because her love has gone? So sad. Our February began with two feet of snow. But that doesn't stop me from planning and looking forward to spring. I believe it will be late this year. P x

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    Replies
    1. Two feet of snow! Wow! I believe you are probably correct in thinking your spring will be late, but I'm sure you will be ready for it.

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