Old Sis Snow

By Madison Julius Cawein

Ballad
    Old Sis Snow, with hair ablow,     Down the road now see her go!     Her old gown pulled back and pinned     Round her legs by Wild-boy Wind     Ough n't he to just be skinned?     Hear her shriek, now high, now low,     Tangled in her hair! my oh!     Is n't she a crazy show?     Old Sis Snow!     Old Sis Snow now to and fro     Ramps and wrestles and hollos "Whoa!"     Sticks her long white fingers through     Every crack and cranny too,     Reaching after me and you:     Cold! and look how fast they grow!     Ghostly in the lamplight's glow,     Threatening you from head to toe!     Old Sis Snow!     Old Sis Snow! now you go slow!     You'll get tired enough, I know:     Wild-boy Wind will drag you down;     Round your ears will tear your gown;     Strew its rags through field and town.     Now he's at it, blow on blow,     Hitting hard as any hoe.     Hear them how they knock and throw!     Wild-boy Wind and Old Sis Snow!

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
This poem presents a vivid personification of nature, centering around two key characters: Old Sis Snow and Wild-boy Wind. The main theme is the tumultuous relationship between these elements, conveyed through a lively and playful tone. The poet captures the dynamic, unpredictable, and sometimes menacing aspects of winter weather, emphasizing a sense of chaotic energy and movement.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each ending with a refrain that reinforces the central characters. Rhymed couplets drive the rhythm, enhancing the sense of action and turbulence. The language is rich in sensory imagery, particularly tactile and auditory, creating an immersive experience for the reader. The use of colloquial language and casual phrasing, along with the exclamation points, injects a sense of immediacy and urgency.

The poem also exhibits a subtle commentary on the human experience of winter. The repeated anthromorphization of snow and wind suggests the poet's attempt to relate to, and make sense of, the harshness of nature. The final stanza implies a struggle, as humans endure and resist the forces of winter, symbolized by Old Sis Snow and Wild-boy Wind. This struggle is a testament to the human spirit's resilience against the adverse elements.

Understanding Ballads

A ballad is a form of verse, often a narrative set to music, that has been a cornerstone of storytelling across various cultures. Traditionally passed down orally, ballads are known for their rhythmic structure and often tell tales of love, adventure, and heroism.

Ballads are characterized by their strong rhythm and repetition, making them both memorable and engaging. Here are some defining features:

  • Narrative Structure: Ballads typically tell a story, often a dramatic or emotional tale that unfolds in a straightforward, chronological order.
  • Quatrain Stanzas: Most ballads are composed of quatrains (four-line stanzas) with a rhyme scheme of ABAB or ABCB, which adds to the musicality of the verse.
  • Repetition: Refrains or repeated lines are common in ballads, helping to emphasize key themes or emotions and making the ballad easier to remember.
  • Oral Tradition: Many ballads originated from oral traditions, which means they were passed down through generations by word of mouth before being written down.

From medieval minstrels to contemporary songwriters, ballads have continued to evolve, remaining a beloved form of expression that captures the human experience in a way that is both poetic and accessible.