The later poems of John Clare 1837-1864 ... General editor Eric Robinson: Edited by Eric Robinson and David Powell: Associate editor Margaret Grainger |
 | I. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 1. |
HOPE & JOY |
| II. |
|
|
| I. |
| II. |
|
|
| 1. |
| 2. |
| 3. |
| 4. |
| 5. |
| 6. |
| 7. |
| 8. |
| 9. |
| 10. |
| 11. |
| 12. |
| 13. |
| 14. |
| 15. |
| 16. |
| 17. |
| 18. |
| 19. |
| 20. |
| 21. |
| 22. |
| 23. |
| 24. |
| 25. |
| 26. |
| 27. |
| 28. |
| 29. |
| 30. |
| 31. |
| 32. |
 | The later poems of John Clare |  |
HOPE & JOY
Hopes have many autumns so have joysSmall is the blast that fades them—less destroys
The tender leaves bear not the slightest wrong
Fading like first thoughts of young poets song
As stars melt the darkness to purple or grey
So hope melts the dread of our sorrows away
As thunder storms loose their dread blackness when near
So hope in our dangers will lessen their fear
Daiseys shut up at even like hail when we pass
But open by daylight bright stars in the grass
453
Are insights to heaven when the flower is full blown
Whether bred on the earth or sent down from above
Hope and joy are but two other names for true love
| The later poems of John Clare | |