Winter-Lord Tennyson

 WINTER

The frost is here,

And fuel is dear,

And woods are sear,

And fires burn clear,

And frost is here

And has bitten the heel of the going year.

Bite, frost, bite!

You roll up away from the light

The blue wood-louse, and the plump dormouse,

And the bees are stilled, and the flies are killed,

And you bite far into the heart of the house,

But not into mine.

Bite, frost, bite!

The woods are all the searer,

The fuel is all the dearer,

The fires are all the clearer,

My spring is all the nearer,

You have bitten into the heart of the earth,

But not into mine 

LORD TENNYSON

Summary: Lord Tennyson's poem 'Winter' reflects on the arrival of winter and its impact on the natural world. The poet observes the signs of winter, with frost covering the land, making fuel scarce, and causing the woods to become barren. However, the fires burn brightly and clearly despite the cold.

Tennyson personifies winter as if it were a creature, encouraging it to 'bite' and continue its freezing work. The poet notes that winter affects various creatures, like the wood-louse, dormouse, bees, and flies, but it cannot reach into the poet's heart. The poem suggests that while winter may have a harsh and chilling effect on the external world, it does not penetrate the poet's inner spirit. The coming of winter is seen as a step closer to the arrival of spring, which represents renewal and rebirth.

Overall, 'Winter' by Lord Tennyson explores the contrast between the harshness of the season and the resilience of the human spirit, finding warmth and hope in the face of cold and darkness.