Read the excerpt from Between the Silver and the Ash.In wintertime you will not see The object of your heart's desire.The treasure that will set you freeYou will not find in earth or fire.But stand where rocks and pebbles singAnd seek the joyous sounds of spring.

The speaker urges the reader to stand by the singing rocks and seek the sounds of spring. This hopeful guidance makes the tone encouraging. “Mocking” or “humorous” would suggest teasing or comedy, which the excerpt does not show.

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