Later On

Be inspired to draw on happy memories with Later On, a thoughtful poem about winter by Wilhelmina Stitch. Like many poems that encourage us to look beyond the moment, her words remind us that even when the days are cold and grey, memories of brighter seasons can bring warmth and hope.

Winter can sometimes feel like a long season. The skies may be grey, the days are shorter, and we often spend more time indoors. Yet there is beauty to be found if we take the time to notice it. Fresh snow resting on the trees, a bright blue winter sky, or the warmth of home on a cold day can give us reasons to appreciate the season.

Winter also gives us time to slow down. We can curl up with a good book, enjoy a favourite hobby, or simply remember special times from seasons gone by. A memory of a summer garden, a peaceful lake, or time spent with family and friends can brighten even the coldest winter day.

That is the encouraging message Wilhelmina Stitch shares in Later On. Her memory picture book is filled with flowers, summer skies, friends, books, and reasons to be glad. She reminds us that difficult or dreary seasons do not last forever, and that happy memories can help us look forward with hope.

Perhaps winter also helps us appreciate the changing seasons. As the days slowly become longer and the sun begins to feel warmer, we know that spring will come again. Until then, we can enjoy what winter offers while holding close the memories that remind us of warmer and brighter days.

So if winter sometimes feels long, look for the good that surrounds you and draw on the memories that make you smile. There is always something to appreciate today and something hopeful to look forward to tomorrow.

Many reasons to be glad. Wilhelmina Stitch

Updated August 17, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.

Later On

When it's winter, I shall look
At a memory picture book.
I shall look and I shall see
Candles on a chestnut tree,
Coral pink and waxy white -
Won't they give a lovely light?

When the skies are dull and grey,
I shall see a summer day,
Hawthorn blossoms pink and red,
Lake of blue right overhead,
Roses on a cottage wall,
Graceful ferns where shadows fall;
Seagulls with their outspread wings -
I shall see such lovely things!

When it's winter, I shall look
At a memory picture book.
I shall see what joys I've had,
Many reasons to be glad;
Friends to love and books to read -
All these pictures I shall heed.
Seeing them, I'll cry aloud,
"Winter's over, Head-low-bowed.
Winter's over, Heart-in-pain.
Feel the breath of joy again...

When it's winter, I shall look
At my memory picture book.

Key Reflections In This Poem

Later On reminds us that memories can bring comfort, hope, and gratitude during seasons that may feel cold or difficult.

  • Happy Memories Can Lift Our Spirits

    When life feels grey or discouraging, remembering happier times can help change our outlook. Wilhelmina Stitch shows how memories of flowers, blue skies, friends, and joyful moments can bring warmth to a winter day.

  • There Are Always Reasons To Be Glad

    The poem encourages us to remember the good that has been part of our lives. Friends we have loved, books we have enjoyed, and simple moments of beauty can remind us that we have many reasons to be thankful.

  • Difficult Seasons Do Not Last Forever

    The poet looks beyond the dull and grey days of winter and remembers the beauty and joy she has known. Her words remind us that when a season feels long or difficult, we can hold on to the hope that brighter days will come again.

  • Small Joys Can Bring Great Comfort

    Many of the memories in the poem are simple ones, such as flowers, birds, books, and summer skies. They remind us that joy is often found in ordinary things when we take the time to notice and appreciate them.

  • Hope Helps Us Look Forward

    The memory picture book does more than look back. It also helps the poet believe that joy will return. Holding on to good memories can give us hope and help us face today with a more positive heart.


Conclusion

Later On reminds us that memories can be a wonderful source of comfort and hope. When life feels a little grey, remembering happy days, special friends, and simple joys can help lift our spirits. Winter will eventually give way to spring, just as difficult seasons in life can give way to brighter days. Until then, may we appreciate the good in today while holding close the memories that still make us smile.