December

By Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Narrative Poem
    Upon December's windy portico     The Old Year stood, and looked out where the sun     Went wading down the West, through drifting clouds.     'I, too, shall sink full soon to rest,' he sighed,     'And follow where my children's feet have trod;     Brave January, beauteous May and June,     My lovely daughters, and my valiant sons,     All, all save one, have left me for that bourne     Men call the Past.    It seems but yesterday     I saw fair August, laughing with the Sea,     Snaring the Earth with her seductive wiles,     And making conquest, even of the Sun.     Yet has she gone, and left me here to mourn.'     Then spake December, from an open door:     'Father, the night grows cold; come in and rest.     Sit with me here beside this glowing grate;     I have not left thee; thou art not alone;     My house is thine; all warm with love and light,     And bright with holly and with cedar sweet.     My stalwart arm is thine to lean upon;     The feast is spread, I only wait for thee;     God smiles upon thy dead, smile thou on me.'     Then through the open door the Old Year passed     And darkness settled on the outer world.

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Poem Details

Language: English
Keywords: Public Domain
Source: Public Domain Collection
Rights/Permissions: Public Domain
Analysis & Notes:
The poem under analysis presents a poignant and personified depiction of the passage of time, choosing to embody the months of the year and the Old Year itself as familial figures. It explores themes of mortality, transience, and the cyclical nature of time, employing a melancholic tone that underscores the inevitability of change and the fleeting moments of existence.

The poem begins with the Old Year standing on December's windy portico, contemplating the setting sun, an apt metaphor for the end of his reign. This opening imbues the poem with a sense of nostalgia and resignation as the Old Year acknowledges his impending departure. The anthropomorphism of the months as the Old Year's children lends a familial warmth and intimacy to the narrative, enriching the emotional resonance of the Old Year's solitude and subsequent acceptance of his fate.

The poetic structure, composed of free verse with no consistent rhyme scheme, aptly mirrors the fluidity and unpredictability of time. The use of vivid and evocative imagery, particularly in the depiction of August "laughing with the Sea" and December's warm invitation, enhances the overall sensory experience and deepens the emotional impact.

December's final words to the Old Year, inviting him to rest and assuring him of his company, offers a comforting and reassuring note to the melancholic narrative. The juxtaposition of the cold, dark outside world with the warm, bright interior of December's abode further accentuates this comfort and reaffirms the cyclic nature of time and life. Thus, the poem manages to evoke a sense of acceptance and tranquility in the face of life's transience, encapsulating the bittersweet beauty of endings and beginnings.

Exploring Narrative Poetry

Narrative poetry is a form of poetry that tells a story, often making use of the voices of a narrator and characters as well. Unlike lyric poetry, which focuses on emotions and thoughts, narrative poetry is dedicated to storytelling, weaving tales that captivate readers through plot and character development.

Narrative poems are unique in their ability to combine the depth of storytelling with the expressive qualities of poetry. Here are some defining characteristics:

  • Structured Plot: Narrative poems typically have a clear beginning, middle, and end, following a plot that might involve conflict, climax, and resolution, much like a short story or novel.
  • Character Development: Characters in narrative poems are often well-developed, with distinct voices and personalities that drive the story forward.
  • Descriptive Language: The language used in narrative poetry is vivid and descriptive, painting a clear picture of the scenes and events, while also conveying the emotions and atmosphere of the story.

From ancient epics like "The Iliad" and "The Odyssey" to more modern narrative poems, this form continues to engage readers by blending the art of storytelling with the beauty and rhythm of poetry.