This is another of my
favorite poems. The stark imagery of the outdoors; as endured by the Snowman;
juxtaposed against the warmth and love which the boy experiences indoors;
breaks my heart each time I read it. And the sympathy of the snowman as he
melts is truly amazing. Being born to die he has no fears at all, while the boy
remains trapped, fearing the loss of the things which he thinks possesses; but which in reality possess him.
"The Boy at the Window" - Richard Wilbur
Seeing the snowman standing all alone
In dusk and cold is more than he can bear.
The small boy weeps to hear the wind prepare
A night of gnashings and enormous moan.
His tearful sight can hardly reach to where
The pale faced figure with bitumen eyes
Returns him such a godforsaken stare
As outcast Adam gave to Paradise.
The man of snow is, nonetheless, content
Having no wish to go inside and die.
Still, he is moved to see the youngster cry.
Though water is his element,
He melts enough to drop from one soft eye
A trickle of the purest rain, a tear
For the child at the bright pane surrounded by
Such warmth, such light, such love, and so much fear.
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