In this evocative tone poem drawing us into the sights and sounds of winter, Parker's text calls us to feel the embrace of winter in all its icy mystery. Hayes has crafted a haunting, yearning melody, set in F minor and filled with both reflection and passion. The piano accompaniment is delicate as an icicle at times and also deep and profound as a heavy snow. After the final full-voiced chorus, the piece ends quietly, with a whisper from the choir.
