The Wind of March by John Greenleaf Whittier
This poem is a nostalgic and melancholic reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of life. It describes the wind of March as a harbinger of spring, but also as a reminder of the transience of human existence. The speaker laments the loss of youth and beauty, and the inevitability of decline and death.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1838 · Genre: Nature Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism · 272 words
First lines
Up from the sea, the wild north wind is blowing Under the sky's gray arch; Smiling, I watch the shaken elm-boughs, knowing It is the wind of March.
Between the passing and the coming season, This stormy interlude Gives to our winter-wearied hearts a reason For trustful gratitude.
Welcome to waiting ears its harsh forewarning Of light and warmth to come, The longed-for joy of Nature's Easter morning, The earth arisen in bloom.
In the loud tumult winter's strength is breaking; I listen to the sound, As to a voice of resurrection, waking To life the dead, cold ground.
What this Textopian page supports
The Wind of March is listed on Textopian as a poem by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1838 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: 1838 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Nature Poetry, Lyric Poetry, Romanticism, Seasonal Poetry, Religious Poetry
- Length: 272 words
- Structure: 1 section, 9 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Wind of March by John Greenleaf Whittier
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Genres
- Nature Poetry — The poem vividly describes the transition of seasons, focusing on the natural elements and their impact on the environment.
- Lyric Poetry — The work expresses personal emotions and reflections on the changing seasons, characteristic of lyric poetry.
- Romanticism — The themes of nature, emotion, and the celebration of life align with the principles of Romantic literature.
- Seasonal Poetry — The poem specifically addresses the themes of spring and the transition from winter, fitting the seasonal poetry genre.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry · Nature Poetry · Spring · Seasonal Themes · Symbolism · Imagery · Figurative Language · Metaphor · Personification · Free Verse · 19th Century Literature