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 |  |
LIFE
Life thou art misery or as much to meOne name serves both or I no difference see
Tho some there lives woud call thee heaven below
But thats a nick name I've not learnd to know
A wretch wi poverty & pains replete
Where even usless stones beneath his feet
Cannot be gathe[r]d up to say theyre mine
Sees little heaven in a life like thine
Hope lends a sorry shelter from thy storms
& largly promises but small performs
O irksome life was but this hour my last
This weary breath feign sighs for its decay
O that my soul deaths dreary vale had past
& met the sunshine of a better day
| The early poems of John Clare | |