At night I lingered at my window And watched the naked trees Toss awkward arms to a winter sky— Twisted, skeleton arms that chilled my heart They were so black against the graying cloud. "Winter would not seem so drear," I thought, "So laden with suspension Of pulsing life and happiness, If only trees were lovely as in summer! I wish the trees were beautiful again." I drew down the shade, Pulled the gay curtains close And flooded all the room With man-made brilliancy To keep away the gloom. Morning came. The fragile fingertips of frost Had covered every twig and branch And made a world of loveliness— A picture done in grays and white. The naked arms of trees now Proudly flaunted crystal banners to a joyous sky. Ugliness had vanished In drooping, sparkling fountains That caught the golden glint of sun And flung it back again. They called it frozen moisture in the air, But I knew God had heard my prayer. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE LAST REDOUBT by ALFRED AUSTIN THANATOPSIS by WILLIAM CULLEN BRYANT SHE HEARS THE STORM by THOMAS HARDY PIONEERS! O PIONEERS! by WALT WHITMAN THE GREAT FIGURE by WILLIAM CARLOS WILLIAMS THE MOUNTAIN ECHO by WILLIAM WORDSWORTH POST MORTEM by GUSTAVO ADOLFO BECQUER |