Winter In The Boulevard by D.H. Lawrence

Winter In The Boulevard

by D.H. Lawrence

THE frost has settled down upon the trees
     And ruthlessly strangled off the fantasies
     Of leaves that have gone unnoticed, swept like old
     Romantic stories now no more to be told.

     The trees down the boulevard stand naked in
         thought,
     Their abundant summery wordage silenced, caught
     In the grim undertow; naked the trees confront
     Implacable winter's long, cross-questioning brunt.

     Has some hand balanced more leaves in the depths
         of the twigs?
     Some dim little efforts placed in the threads of the
         birch?—
     It is only the sparrows, like dead black leaves on
         the sprigs,
     Sitting huddled against the cerulean, one flesh with
         their perch.

     The clear, cold sky coldly bethinks itself.
     Like vivid thought the air spins bright, and all
     Trees, birds, and earth, arrested in the after-thought
     Awaiting the sentence out from the welkin brought.

D.H. Lawrence (1885-1930) was an influential English writer, poet, and essayist. Born in Eastwood, Nottinghamshire, he was the son of a coal miner and a schoolteacher. Lawrence’s works often explored themes of emotional health, vitality, spontaneity, and instinct, causing many of his writings to be deemed controversial during his lifetime.

Some of his most famous works include the novels “Sons and Lovers” (1913), “The Rainbow” (1915), “Women in Love” (1920), and “Lady Chatterley’s Lover” (1928). The last of these was banned for obscenity in multiple countries for many years.

Lawrence was also known for his poetry, short stories, essays, and travel writing. He spent much of his adult life traveling the world with his wife, Frieda, seeking a more fulfilling way of life. His experiences greatly influenced his writing.

Despite facing censorship and criticism during his lifetime, Lawrence is now regarded as one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century, known for his bold exploration of human nature, relationships, and sexuality in his works.