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 |  |
CHILDHOOD
What trifles touch our feelings when we viewThe simple scenes of childhoods early day
Pausing on spots where gatherd blossoms grew
Or favourd seats of many a childish play
Bush dyke or wood where painted pooteys lay
Where oft ones crept & crept the shades among
Where ivy hung old roots bemossd wi grey
Where nettles oft ones infant fingers stung
& tears woud weep the gentle wounds away
Ah gentle wounds indeed I well may say
To these sad manhoods torturd passage found
Where naked fate each day new pangs does feel
Clearing away the brambles that surround
Inflicting tortures death can only heal
| The early poems of John Clare | |