Poem Analysis - Skating

A Celebration of Winter's Joy

E.E. Cummings' "Skating" is a lighthearted and celebratory poem that praises the simple joys of winter, specifically the act of skating. The poem exudes a cheerful tone, contrasting the anticipated delights of winter with the already-enjoyed pleasures of spring and summer. While acknowledging the passing of warmer seasons, the poem focuses on the unique treasures that winter offers, culminating in an enthusiastic embrace of skating.

The Superiority of Winter

One of the main themes of "Skating" is the superiority of winter, particularly its association with the invigorating activity of skating, compared to other seasons. The poem subtly suggests that while spring and summer are pleasant ("Spring was good, and Summer better"), winter holds a unique and more rewarding experience. The phrase "the best of all is waiting" clearly positions winter as the most desirable season. The playful tone and exclamation points throughout further emphasize the anticipation and excitement associated with winter's arrival and the opportunity to skate.

Ephemeral Spring vs. Trusty Winter

The theme of trust and reliability emerges through the contrast between spring and winter. Spring is depicted as "fickle" and "faithless," suggesting its fleeting nature and unreliable pleasures. In contrast, winter, personified as "trusty Madame Winter," promises a more consistent and dependable source of joy. This contrast suggests a deeper appreciation for the dependable joys of winter over the more unpredictable and perhaps superficial pleasures of spring.

The Image of Skating

The central image in the poem is, of course, skating itself. "Gleam of ice, and glint of steel" vividly portrays the sensory experience of skating, highlighting the visual elements of light reflecting off the ice and the skater's blades. The phrase "Glide on ice and joy of zeal" captures the physical sensation of movement and the emotional exhilaration associated with it. The poem suggests skating as both an individual ("All, alone") and a communal ("together") experience, broadening its appeal and suggesting it can fulfill different social and personal needs.

Concluding Zealous Anticipation

In conclusion, "Skating" is a joyful ode to winter and the simple pleasure of skating. Through its playful tone, personification of the seasons, and vivid imagery, the poem successfully conveys a sense of eager anticipation and appreciation for the unique treasures of winter. It presents winter, and especially skating, as a reliable and fulfilling source of joy, contrasting it with the more fleeting and fickle nature of spring. The poem’s enthusiastic ending leaves the reader with a sense of excitement for the approaching winter season and the simple joys it has to offer.