Harriet Monroe’s “March” catches the rowdy, windblown moment when spring begins to shove winter aside. Snowdrops shake in the gale, a robin sings boldly overhead, and clouds race across the climbing sun like gray horses. The contrast between fragile snowdrops and the rough wind makes the scene feel both delicate and tough. The speaker is not just observing; she invites us to look and feel the motion. Bare trees swing, waves curl and rail against the shore, and the whole day seems to make playful, merry faces. Even the light and weather feel restless and alive. The mood is brisk, bright, and a little wild—full of delighted energy rather than calm. That energy boils over in the final cry: “madcap Spring comes singing / On frosty Winter’s trail!” Here spring appears as a joyful, reckless pursuer chasing winter away, and Monroe leaves us with the sense that the season is changing right before our eyes.
March — Summary
I see the snow-drops flutter Their white wings in the gale.
I hear the robin utter On high his gallant tale.
Look where the rash wind chases With clouds the climbing sun !
The day makes merry faces — Gaily her gray steeds run.
The bare brown trees are swinging, The curled waves roll and rail.
Ho ! — madcap Spring comes singing On frosty Winter's trail!