A solemn night wind rises, carrying the promise of rain. Trees that have been still for a long time suddenly flutter and stir. Slender trees, heavy trees, fruit trees weighed down with their crop all lift their branches as the wind cries loudly to them. Even the smallest plants bow, and every blade of grass trembles on the quiet ground. The speaker seems hushed and attentive, aware of a powerful, almost serious presence moving through the landscape. The mood is quiet, expectant, and slightly melancholy, not violent or frightening. It feels like a moment of shared response, as if all the growing things are listening and answering the wind. Mansfield turns an ordinary change in weather into something solemn and full of feeling.
There Is a Solemn Wind To-night — Summary
There is a solemn wind to-night That sings of solemn rain; The trees that have been quiet so long Flutter and start again.
The slender trees, the heavy trees, The fruit trees laden and proud, Lift up their branches to the wind That cries to them so loud.
The little bushes and the plants Bow to the solemn sound, And every tiniest blade of grass Shakes on the quiet ground.