THE SNOW MAN

One must have a mind of winter To regard the frost and the boughs Of the pine-trees crusted with snow; And have been cold a long time To behold the junipers shagged with ice, The spruces rough in the distant glitter Of the January sun; and not to think Of any misery in the sound of the wind, That is what you must have.

You must have a mind of winter To regard the frost and the boughs Of the pine-trees crusted with snow.

To behold the junipers shagged with ice, The spruces rough in the distant glitter Of the January sun; and not to think Of any misery in the sound of the wind.

The listener is one with the trees. It is the listener who is holding the trees in heart and soul.

• Wallace Stevens