To The Thawing Wind

By Robert Lee Frost

Lyric Poem
Come with rain. O loud Southwester! Bring the singer, bring the nester; Give the buried flower a dream; make the settled snowbank steam; Find the brown beneath the white; But whate'er you do tonight, bath my window, make it flow, Melt it as the ice will go; Melt the glass and leave the sticks Like a hermit's crucifix; Burst into my narrow stall; Swing the picture on the wall; Run the rattling pages o'er; Scatter poems on the floor; Turn the poet out of door.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem is a vibrant call to nature, specifically to the Southwester, a type of wind, to bring about change and revitalization. The speaker invites this force to stir up the stagnant and the buried, to awaken the dormant, and to challenge the status quo. This can be seen in lines such as "Give the buried flower a dream" and "Find the brown beneath the white". The poet uses strong, evocative imagery and action verbs to bring this change to life and to emphasize its vitality and energy.

The structure of the poem is an interesting mix of commands and requests, giving it a rhythmic, almost chant-like quality that mirrors the relentless, driving force of the wind it describes. In terms of tone, the poem is fervent and passionate, reflecting the speaker's deep desire for the transformative power of nature. The standout literary device in this poem is the metaphor of the hermit's crucifix, used to symbolize the solitude and ascetic life that the poet is ready to abandon in favor of the dynamic chaos that the Southwester brings. The poem ends with the poet being figuratively thrown out of the door, which signifies their readiness to embrace the world outside, to face the winds of change and to be reshaped by them.

Exploring Lyric Poetry

Lyric poetry is a powerful and intimate form of expression, characterized by its focus on the personal emotions and thoughts of the poet. Often musical in nature, lyric poems resonate with readers through their vivid language and rhythmic flow, capturing moments of intense feeling.

Here are some key characteristics that define lyric poetry:

  • Expressive Language: Lyric poems use rich and evocative language to convey deep emotions, often painting a vivid picture of the poet's inner world.
  • Personal Perspective: Typically written in the first person, these poems offer a window into the poet's personal experiences, thoughts, and reflections.
  • Musicality: Lyric poems often feature a rhythmic structure, with meter and rhyme that give them a song-like quality, enhancing the emotional impact.

From ancient odes to contemporary free verse, lyric poetry remains a beloved and enduring form, celebrated for its ability to articulate the nuances of human emotion in a way that resonates deeply with readers.