Nature
Nature is a significant theme in the poem. It is used metaphorically to represent human emotions: in this case, the conflict and resolution in the couple's relationship. The beginning of the poem shows the image of clouds exhausted from rain, with rain representing tears. The earth is drenched in water and gulping for air, exemplifying the way that pent-up emotions suffocate a person. Perhaps the most obvious metaphor is the swans, who represent the strength that comes from unity.
Relationship problems
“Winter Swans” is essentially a poem about a couple experiencing issues in their relationship. The issues themselves are not specified in the poem. Nature is used as a metaphor to express the existence and eventual resolution of the issues. The poem opens up with clouds and ends with afternoon light to show the emotional progression of the couple.
Reconciliation
Nature both facilitates and reflects the moment of reconciliation between the couple in the poem. The break in the rain grants them the ability to walk together outdoors. The psychological benefits of walking in natural environments have appeared in scientific literature, and in this poem it is not just the couple that is able to reconcile after difficult times. The speaker depicts nature itself as having gone through a rough cycle, seen in the second stanza where the "waterlogged earth" is "gulping for breath at our feet." Nature's recuperation is expressed through the appearance of the swans. The couple learns how to come back together from watching the swans move in unison.
