Sonnets Round the Coast by H. D. Rawnsley |
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CHILDREN ON THE SHORE. |
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 | Sonnets Round the Coast |  |
209
I. CHILDREN ON THE SHORE.
Oh! happy people, blessed in your content,The sea may flow and drown your new-won lands,—
It does but make you join your merry bands,
You closelier pack your busy settlement,
And urge unjealous industry: here, bent
On fortress mounds, the young strategist stands;
There, while the farmer plans his farm in sands,
With shells the gardener will his art present.
But still the ocean tides impartial roll,
In 'minished acres children ply the spade,
With larger hearts they share the varied task,
On family. Call up the child, and ask
What is it such a heaven of earth has made—
Wide lands, or wider love, and breadth of soul!
| Sonnets Round the Coast | |