A Snow-Song (of Skies and Seasons)
The poem explores the cyclical nature of life and death through the changing seasons. It describes a snow-covered landscape where winter's chill gives way to spring's warmth, symbolizing the eternal cycle of birth, growth, decay, and rebirth. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of human existence, comparing it to the ephemeral beauty of snowflakes that melt away with the arrival of warmer weather.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1908 · Genre: Poetry, Nature, Symbolism · 168 words
Editions
First lines
Does the snow fall at sea? / Yes, when the north winds blow, / When the wild clouds fly low, / Out of each gloomy wing, / Silently glimmering, / Over the stormy sea / Falleth the snow.
Does the snow hide the sea? / Nay, on the tossing plains / Never a flake remains; / Drift never resteth there; / Vanishing everywhere, / Into the hungry sea / Falleth the snow.
What means the snow at sea? / Whirled in the veering blast, / Thickly the flakes drive past; / Each like a childish ghost / Wavers, and then is lost; / In the forgetful sea / Fadeth the snow.
1875.
What this Textopian page supports
A Snow-Song (of Skies and Seasons) is listed on Textopian as a poem by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature, Symbolism, Philosophical
- Length: 168 words
- Structure: 1 section, 4 paragraphs
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Similar titles
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- Sunset by Emily Dickinson
- Spring In The North Of Skies And Seasons by Henry Van Dyke
- Before The Ice Is In The Pools by Emily Dickinson
- Death by Emily Dickinson
- To A Wind Flower by Madison Cawein
Genres
- Poetry — The work is structured in verse form with a focus on rhythm and imagery.
- Nature — The poem explores natural elements, specifically snow and the sea, and their interactions.
- Symbolism — The snow and sea are used symbolically to convey deeper meanings about transience and impermanence.
- Philosophical — The themes suggest philosophical reflections on existence and the ephemeral nature of life.
Tags
Poetry · Nature · Seasonal · Winter · Snow · Imagery · Symbolism · Metaphor · Personification · Romanticism · Nostalgia · Melancholy