Winter Time
Discover the beauty, challenges, and wonder of winter in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Winter Time poem.
Updated January 5, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer
Robert Louis Stevenson’s poem Winter Time takes us on a journey through the icy days of winter, painting a picture of frosted landscapes and chilly mornings. With his vivid imagery and heartfelt expressions, Stevenson reminds us that even in the coldest season, there is beauty, warmth, and wonder to be found.
Whether it’s the glow of a jolly fire or the sparkle of snow-covered hills, this poem invites us to embrace winter with a sense of appreciation and joy.
Winter Time
Late lies the wintry sun a-bed,
A frosty, fiery sleepy-head;
Blinks but an hour or two; and then,
A blood-red orange, sets again.
Before the stars have left the skies,
At morning in the dark I rise;
And shivering in my nakedness,
By the cold candle, bathe and dress.
Close by the jolly fire I sit
To warm my frozen bones a bit;
Or with a reindeer-sled, explore
The colder countries round the door.
When to go out, my nurse doth wrap
Me in my comforter and cap;
The cold wind burns my face, and blows
Its frosty pepper up my nose.
Black are my steps on silver sod;
Thick blows my frosty breath abroad;
And tree and house, and hill and lake,
Are frosted like a wedding-cake.
Key Points from the poem:
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Winter’s Unique Beauty
Stevenson brings winter to life with vivid descriptions like the "blood-red orange" sun and the frosted trees and hills. It’s a reminder to find the beauty in every season, even in the coldest times.
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Balancing Challenges with Comfort
The poem reflects the challenges of winter mornings—shivering, dressing by candlelight, and facing biting winds. Yet, it also shows the comfort of sitting by the fire and the fun of exploring snowy surroundings. Life often brings its share of struggles, but there’s always a way to find warmth and joy.
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A Sense of Wonder
Through a child’s eyes, Stevenson highlights the magic of winter. The frosty air, silver paths, and snowy adventures remind us to look at life with wonder, appreciating the small joys that each day brings.
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Conclusion
Winter Time reminds us that every season has something to offer if we are willing to notice it. Robert Louis Stevenson captures winter not only as a time of cold mornings and frosted air, but as a season filled with warmth, imagination, and simple comforts. Through his words, we are invited to slow down and see winter as a time of quiet reflection and childlike wonder.
As you reflect on this poem, may it encourage you to appreciate the small joys found even on the coldest days. Whether it is the comfort of home, the beauty of a snowy landscape, or a moment of calm by the fire, winter has its own gentle lessons. Stevenson's poem reminds us that beauty often appears when we take the time to look closely.
More Winter Poems To Inspire
Winter teaches us that even in the cold, there is warmth to be found when we pause, observe, and appreciate the simple moments.