Lovers, forget your love,
And list to the love of these,
She a window flower,
And he a winter breeze.
When the frosty window veil
Was melted down at noon,
And the cagèd yellow bird
Hung over her in tune,
He marked her through the pane,
He could not help but mark,
And only passed her by,
To come again at dark.
He was a winter wind,
Concerned with ice and snow,
Dead weeds and unmated birds,
And little of love could know.
But he sighed upon the sill,
He gave the sash a shake,
As witness all within
Who lay that night awake.
Perchance he half prevailed
To win her for the flight
From the firelit looking-glass
And warm stove-window light.
But the flower leaned aside
And thought of naught to say,
And morning found the breeze
A hundred miles away.
Short Poem Analysis
"Wind and Window Flower" by Robert Frost is a poignant and introspective poem that explores themes of love, longing, and the transient nature of human emotions. Through its vivid imagery and metaphorical language, the poem delves into the complexities of human relationships and the inevitable passage of time.
The poem contrasts the experiences of two characters: the wind and the window flower. The wind is characterized as restless and transient, moving freely and unbound. In contrast, the window flower is portrayed as stationary and confined to its place. This juxtaposition of movement and stasis sets the stage for the exploration of their respective emotional experiences.
The window flower longs for the wind's touch, symbolizing a desire for connection and intimacy. The phrase "But where the wind has lisped" suggests a yearning for the wind's whispered promises of love and freedom. The window flower's vulnerability and emotional yearning are conveyed through its passive role and its dependence on the wind.
The poem's title, "Wind and Window Flower," captures the interplay between these two characters and their contrasting experiences. The repetition of "wind" and "window" emphasizes their distinct identities and roles within the poem.
The final stanza reveals the underlying theme of impermanence and the inevitability of change. The window flower's plea to "let me go" acknowledges the fleeting nature of their connection and the transient emotions they share. The wind's response, "No, no," suggests a reluctance to fully commit or engage in a deeper emotional bond.
"Wind and Window Flower" encapsulates Frost's exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the fleeting nature of emotions. The poem's use of vivid imagery and metaphorical language invites readers to contemplate the themes of longing, intimacy, and the passage of time. Through the interaction between the wind and the window flower, the poem delves into the delicate balance between desire and the impermanence of human connections.
