 | The Poems of John Clare |  |
323
FOOTPATHS (II)
Now tracking fields where passenger appearsAs wading to his waist in crowding grain,
Wherever as we pass the bending ears
Pat at our sides and gain their place again;
Then crooked stile, with little steps that aid
The climbing, meets us; and the pleasant grass
And hedgerows old with arbours ready made
For weariness to rest in pleasant shade
Surround us; and with ecstasy we pass
Wild flower and insect tribes that ever mate
With joy and dance from every step we take
In numberless confusion; all employ
Their little aims for peace and pleasure's sake,
And every summer's footpath leads to joy.
| The Poems of John Clare | |