Into The Wilderness

"Into The Wilderness", oil and mixed media on canvas by Alison Auldjo.

And upon the crumping snows

Stamps, in vain, to warm his toes.

Leaves are fled, that once had power

To resist a summer shower;

And the wind so piercing blows,

Winnowing small the drifting snows,

The summer shade of loaded bough

Would vainly boast a shelter now:

Piercing snows so searching fall,

They sift a passage through them all.

Though all's vain to keep him warm,

Poverty must brave the storm.

Friendship none, its aid to lend:

Health alone his only friend;

Granting leave to live in pain,

Giving strength to toil in vain;

To be, while winter's horrors last,

The sport of every pelting blast.

Poems descriptive of Rural Life and Scenery, 1820