The early poems of John Clare 1804-1822: General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
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The early poems of John Clare | ||
TO MY OATEN REED
Thou warble wild of rough rude melodyHow oft Ive wood thee—Often thrown thee bye
In many a doubtful rapture touching thee
Waking thy rural notes in many a sigh
Fearing the wise the wealthy proud & high
Would scorn as Vain thy lowly extacy
Deeming presumptious thy uncultur'd themes
Thus vainly courting taste's unblemish'd eye
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—Erst may I wander into wide extreams—
But O thou sweet wild winding Rapsody
Thou gurgling charm that sooths my hearts controul
I take thee up—to smoothen many a sigh
& lull the throbbings of a woe worn soul
The early poems of John Clare | ||