The Sun that Brief December Day
This poem describes a brief winter day where the sun shines brightly through the snow-covered landscape. The speaker reflects on the fleeting nature of life and how even in the midst of cold and darkness, there can be moments of beauty and warmth. The poem explores themes of mortality, impermanence, and the human experience.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 5,515 words
First lines
The sun that brief December day Rose cheerless over hills of gray, And, darkly circled, gave at noon A sadder light than waning moon. Slow tracing down the thickening sky Its mute and ominous prophecy, A portent seeming less than threat, It sank from sight before it set. A chill no coat, however stout, Of homespun stuff could quite, shut out, A hard, dull bitterness of cold, That checked, mid-vein, the circling race Of life-blood in the sharpened face, The coming of the snow-storm told. The wind blew east; we heard the roar Of Ocean on his wintry shore, And felt the strong pulse throbbing there Beat with low rhythm our inland air.
What this Textopian page supports
The Sun that Brief December Day is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Memoir, Regionalism
- Length: 5,515 words
- Structure: 1 section, 38 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Sun that Brief December Day by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Sun that Brief December Day?
- How does this poem by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Poetry first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- Decoration Day by James Mcintyre
- What Redress by James Whitcomb Riley
- Burning Drift Wood by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Afterword by Madison Cawein
- Requirement by John Greenleaf Whittier
- The Fish I Did Nt Catch by John Greenleaf Whittier
Genres
- Poetry — The work is primarily a poem, characterized by its structured verse and use of meter and rhyme.
- Nature Writing — The poem vividly describes natural elements, particularly winter landscapes and their impact on human experience.
- Romanticism — The themes of nostalgia, nature, and emotional depth align with the characteristics of Romantic literature.
- Memoir — The poem reflects personal memories and familial relationships, evoking a sense of personal history.
Tags
Poetry · American Literature · 19th Century · Nature Poetry · Autumnal Imagery · Seasonal Themes · Mortality · Loss · Grief · Memory · Nostalgia · Patriotism