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 |  |
AN EFFUSION TO POETRY
Written after recieving a damp from a genteel opinionist in poetry & of some sway (as I am told) in the literary world
Despis'd, unskill'd or how I WillSweet poetry I love thee still
Vain, (cheering comfort) tho I be
I still must love thee poetry
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I cannot help the will of fate
A lowly clown altho I be
Nor can I help it loving thee
Still must I love thee sweetest charm
Still must my soul in raptures warm
Still must my rudeness pluck the flower
Thats plucked in an evil hour
While learning scowls her scornful brow
& damps my soul—I know not how—
Labour 'cause thourt mean & poor
Learning spurns thee from her door
But despise thee how she will
Poetry I love thee still
When on pillowd thorns I weep
Vain when stretc[h]'d me down to sleep
Then thou charm from heaven above
Comforts cordial dost thou prove
Then engaging poesy
Then how sweet to talk with thee
& be despisd or how I will
I cannot help but love thee still
Endearing charm vain tho I be
I still must love the[e] poetry
Still must I—aye I cant refrain
Dampt despisd or scorn'd again
With vain unhallow'd liberty
Still must I sing thee poetry
& poor & vain & prest beneath
Oppressions scorn altho I be
Still will I bind my simple wreath
Still must I love thee Poetry
| The early poems of John Clare | |