The poem begins with the speaker observing a crow on a hemlock tree, black against the winter sky. As he watches, a light dusting of snow falls, covering the crow's back in white. This unexpected and ephemeral moment of contrast between the dark crow and the pure snow prompts a realization in the speaker.
The speaker reflects that this moment has brought him a sense of peace and clarity, akin to "a gift of God." He recognizes the power of nature to transform even the most ordinary and routine moments into something beautiful and meaningful.
Through this simple observation, the speaker gains a sense of renewal and appreciation for the beauty that can be found even in the midst of challenging or mundane circumstances. The poem leaves the reader with a lingering sense of wonder and encourages a deeper connection with the natural world.