"The Skater of Ghost Lake" by William Rose Benet paints a vivid and atmospheric picture of a dark, chilly scene on Ghost Lake. The poem, with its emphasis on the haunting qualities of the lake and its surroundings, introduces us to Jeremy Randall, who skates alone at night, creating a sense of both solitude and mystery. The imagery of "ice black as ebony" and "frostily scrolled" establishes a stark, eerie environment, enhanced by the mention of the "deep, dark firs" that seem to sentinel the lake.
As Jeremy skates, the rhythm of the poem mirrors his movement—"a brisk sound, a swift sound" conveys his agility and speed on the ice. The arrival of Cecily introduces a shift, suggesting a connection and companionship amidst the isolation of the setting. Their shared glide across the lake symbolizes a bond in the face of darkness, with the imagery of "hands locked behind him" and "arm across arm twined" highlighting intimacy and unity.
The poem's underlying tension is built through references to the dangers of being out on the lake at night, suggested by the lines "None comes to Ghost Lake late after dark!" This creates a contrast between the joy of skating together and the ominous atmosphere surrounding them.
Overall, Benet skillfully combines vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and an underlying sense of foreboding to convey a rich narrative of romance and mystery set against a haunting backdrop. The skaters become almost spectral figures themselves, gliding across the icy surface of Ghost Lake, leaving readers with an impression of beauty intertwined with the eerie qualities of their surroundings.
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