Western Wind

“Sumer is Icumen In“ by Anonymous (Mid-Thirteenth Century)

While the first written form of “Western Wind” appears later than “Sumer is Icumen In,” the lyrics of both may originate from the same century. Just as the speaker in “Western Wind” hopes for an intervention by nature and a seasonal change, the speaker in “Sumer is Icumen In” is likewise focused on seasonal change. However, in the latter poem, the season of summer has already arrived and settled in for its short stay. The poem features singing birds, blooming flowers and forests, braying farm animals, and – perhaps most interestingly - a farting deer.

“Wynter Wakeneth Al My Care“ by Anonymous (14th Century)

Like the previous poem, “Wynter Wakeneth Al My Care” also centers on seasonal change, though this change is more dismal and daunting than “Sumer Is Icumen In” or “Western Wind.” Written in Middle English, this particular poem has been dated to approximately 1310 AD. The speaker of “Wynter Wakeneth Al My Care” sees the world fading as the colder weather rolls in. Leaves fade, grass withers, and a dismal gloom settles over everything. The speaker retains a nihilistic view of life, acknowledging that in the end, everything dies.