Cold Blows the Wind, Sweet-Heart
The narrative unfolds around themes of love, loss, and the supernatural. A maiden mourns her deceased lover, expressing her sorrow through a vow to grieve at his grave for a year and a day. As time passes, the ghost of her lover appears, questioning her prolonged mourning. Their dialogue reveals the depth of their past relationship, highlighting the beauty of their shared moments and the pain of separation. The ghost, embodying both longing and a sense of foreboding, requests a kiss from the maiden, warning her of the dangers associated with such an act. He reveals the chilling reality of his death, emphasizing the coldness of his lips and the earthy nature of his breath. The maiden's tears, which fall upon his grave, symbolize her enduring love and grief. As the ghost emerges from the earth, a bramble leaf inadvertently separates their lips, serving as a protective barrier. This moment underscores the tension between the living and the dead, suggesting that their connection, while profound, is fraught with peril. The ghost's warning implies that crossing the boundary between life and death could have dire consequences. Ultimately, the work explores the complexities of love that transcends mortality, the rituals of mourning, and the haunting presence of lost loved ones. The interplay of life and death, along with the emotional weight of remembrance, creates a poignant reflection on the nature of true love and the sacrifices it entails.
By Sabine Baring-Gould · First published 1910 · Genre: Ballad, Romantic Poetry, Gothic Literature · 416 words
First lines
C. J. S. [Music]
1. "Cold blows the wind of night, sweet-heart, Cold are the drops of rain; The very first love that ever I had, In green-wood he was slain.
What this Textopian page supports
Cold Blows the Wind, Sweet-Heart is listed on Textopian as a poem by Sabine Baring-Gould, dated 1910 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Sabine Baring-Gould
- Date: 1910 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Ballad, Romantic Poetry, Gothic Literature, Folklore, Lyric Poetry
- Length: 416 words
- Structure: 1 section, 11 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
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Similar titles
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- The Bonny Bird by Sabine Baring Gould
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Genres
- Ballad — The poem's narrative style and focus on love and loss align closely with traditional ballad forms.
- Romantic Poetry — Themes of love, longing, and the supernatural are central to the poem, characteristic of Romantic poetry.
- Gothic Literature — The presence of death, ghosts, and a melancholic atmosphere fits within the Gothic genre.
- Folklore — The poem reflects elements of folklore, particularly in its storytelling and themes of love and loss.
Tags
love · loss · grief · ghost · mourning · romance · death · nature · folklore · poetry · supernatural · longing