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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IN HELPSTONE CHURCH YARD |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
319
IN HELPSTONE CHURCH YARD
What makes me love thee now thou dreary scene& see in each swelld heap a peacful bed
I well remember once the time has been
To walk a church [yard] when I usd to dread
& shudderd as Ive read upon the stone
Of well known friends & next door neighbours gone
But then I knew no cloudy cares of life
Where neer a sunbeam comes to light me thorow
A stranger then to this worlds storms & strife
Where neer a calm is met to lull my sorrow
I then was blest & had not eyes to see
Lifes future change & fates severe tomorrow
When all those ill[s] & pains shoud compass me
& no hope left but what I meet in thee
| The early poems of John Clare | |