In Snow

By William Allingham

Sonnet
O English mother, in the ruddy glow Hugging your baby closer when outside You see the silent, soft, and cruel snow Falling again, and think what ills betide Unshelter'd creatures, your sad thoughts may go Where War and Winter now, two spectre-wolves, Hunt in the freezing vapour that involves Those Asian peaks of ice and gulfs below. Does this young Soldier heed the snow that fills His mouth and open eyes? or mind, in truth, To-night, his mother's parting syllables? Ha! is't a red coat? Merely blood. Keep ruth For others; this is but an Afghan youth Shot by the stranger on his native hills.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem presents a powerful juxtaposition of the familial warmth and the harsh realities of war, particularly as experienced in distant, foreign lands. The first lines draw us into a domestic setting, an 'English mother' with her baby, looking out at the snowfall - a scene of peace and security. Immediately, the poet introduces a shift in tone with the mention of 'what ills betide unsheltered creatures', hinting at a less protected, more vulnerable existence somewhere else.

This is further developed as the setting transitions to the frigid 'Asian peaks of ice', where 'War and Winter', personified as 'spectre-wolves', pose a deadly threat. This striking metaphor underscores the poet's critique of imperial warfare. The soldier's death, rendered in stark, cold language, contrasts with the earlier maternal warmth. His mother's 'parting syllables' are a poignant reminder of home, further emphasizing the tragedy of his death. The twist in the final two lines, revealing the soldier as 'an Afghan youth shot by the stranger on his native hills', comments on the cruel ironies of colonialism. The structure of the poem, moving from a cozy domestic scene to the harsh violence of war, and the powerful use of imagery and personification, all work together to create a poignant critique of war and imperialism.

Understanding the Sonnet

The sonnet is one of the most enduring and celebrated forms of poetry, known for its strict structure and profound themes. With a history spanning centuries, sonnets have been used to explore love, beauty, politics, and mortality, all within the confines of just 14 lines.

Sonnets are characterized by their precise form and rhyme scheme, which vary depending on the type of sonnet. Here’s a closer look:

  • Shakespearean (English) Sonnet: Composed of three quatrains followed by a final couplet, with a rhyme scheme of ABABCDCDEFEFGG. This form often builds a complex argument or narrative, culminating in a powerful closing statement.
  • Petrarchan (Italian) Sonnet: Divided into an octave (eight lines) and a sestet (six lines), with a typical rhyme scheme of ABBAABBA for the octave, followed by various patterns in the sestet such as CDECDE or CDCDCD. The octave usually presents a problem, with the sestet providing a resolution.
  • Meter: Sonnets are traditionally written in iambic pentameter, which gives the poem a rhythmic and melodic quality that enhances its emotional impact.

The sonnet’s enduring appeal lies in its ability to condense complex emotions and ideas into a small but potent package, making it a favorite form for poets seeking to explore profound themes with precision and elegance.