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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 LAST OF APRIL

Old april wanes & her last dewy morn
Her death bed steeps in leaves—to hail the may
New blooming blossoms neath the sun is born
& all poor aprils charms are swept away
The early primrose peeping once so gay

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Is now choakd up wi namless mounting weeds
& the poor violet we once admird
Creeps in the grass unsought for—flowers suceeds
Gaudy & new & more to be desired
& of the old the school boys seemeth tir'd
So with us all poor april as wi thee
Each hath his day—the future brings my fears
Friends may grow weary rising flowers may be
& my last end like thine be steept in tears