Winter Symphony
This poem was written as an experiment of two writers, one living and one dead. I edited and rewrote these exerpts as a poem from an eight-page unpublished essay “The Fourth Season” written by Jesse Stuart, who was one of America’s most prolific writers. I named the poem “Winter Symphony.” Stuart, wrote autobiographies, essays, novels, poetry, and short stories, and published over 60 books during his lifetime, but he loved being a poet and you can find poetry in any of his genres. I found this essay while doing research for my book that will feature unpublished Stuart essays. So here you go, a work by the former Guggenheim Scholar with my contributions.
I’d rather take a walk on a winter night than in any season
because I love to hear the loud and soft winds blowing
over the brown fallen leaves or snow-covered landscape.
The sounds of these winds can have any background
because all winter settings have a different beauty,
quite different than any other season.
I love to sit on a stone or log on a snow-covered hillside
or in a deep dark valley and listen to the music of the wind
performed by Mother Nature’s magnificent orchestra.
This winter landscape is set as nature’s backdrop for a concert
with the moon and stars as spotlights shining on the stage
where one could write a poetic review for this grand symphony.
6 thoughts on "Winter Symphony"
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.
I absolutely love this. How incredible! Winter holds such a special place in my heart. This piece calls to that space. Awesome.
Thank you H.A. It really is a misunderstood season. Also, having the opportunity to be a part of Stuart’s work is very special for me. He and my mother were friends and served together on the Kentucky Heart Association Board of Directors. I grew up with his books in our home and love his poetry and essays.
Oh, without question regarding winter’s misunderstood existence; I LOVE winter! What a beautiful connection to Stuart’s work.
Thank you again for the kind words.
An experiment well done!
Yes to the magic in taking “a walk on a winter night”.
Pam, thank you for the kind comments.