The early poems of John Clare 1804-1822: General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
 | I. |
|
|
| a. |
| b. |
| a. |
| b. |
| a. |
| b. |
ON YOUTH |
| II. |
|
| a. |
| b. |
| a. |
| b. |
| a. |
| b. |
| a. |
| b. |
| a. |
| b. |
 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
ON YOUTH
Ah, youth's sweet joys! why are ye gone astray?Fain would I follow could I find a plan:
To my great loss are ye exchang'd away,
For that sad sorrow-ripening name—a man.
Far distant joys! the prospect gives me pain:
Ah, happiness! and hast thou no return?
No kind concern to call thee back again,
And bid this aching bosom cease to mourn?
The daisies' hopes have met another Spring,
Poor standard tenants on a stormy plain;
The lark confirms it on his russet wing;
And why alone am I denied? in vain:
Ah, youth is fled!
A second blossom I but vainly crave:
The flower, that opes with peace to come,
Is budding in the grave.
| The early poems of John Clare | |