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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AFTER READING IN A LETTER PROPOSALS FOR BUILDING A COTTAGE |
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 | The early poems of John Clare |  |
60
AFTER READING IN A LETTER PROPOSALS FOR BUILDING A COTTAGE
Beside a runnel build my shed
Wi' stubbles coverd oer
Let broad oaks oer its chimley spread
& grass plats grace the door
Wi' stubbles coverd oer
Let broad oaks oer its chimley spread
& grass plats grace the door
The door may open wi a string
So that it closes tight
& locks too woud be wanted things
To keep out thieves at night
So that it closes tight
& locks too woud be wanted things
To keep out thieves at night
A little garden not too fine
Inclosed wi painted pails
& wood bines round the cot to twine
Pind to the wall wi nails
Inclosed wi painted pails
& wood bines round the cot to twine
Pind to the wall wi nails
Let hazels grow & spindling sedge
Bent bowering over head
Dig old mans beard from woodland hedge
To twine a summer shade
Bent bowering over head
Dig old mans beard from woodland hedge
To twine a summer shade
Beside the threshold sods provide
& build a summer seat
Plant sweet briar bushes by its side
& flowers that smelleth sweet
& build a summer seat
Plant sweet briar bushes by its side
& flowers that smelleth sweet
61
I love the sparrows ways to watch
Upon the cotters sheds
So here & there pull out the thatch
As they may hid[e] their heads
Upon the cotters sheds
So here & there pull out the thatch
As they may hid[e] their heads
& as the sweeping swallows stop
Their flights along the green
Leave holes within the chimney top
To paste their nest between
Their flights along the green
Leave holes within the chimney top
To paste their nest between
Stick shelves & cupboards round the hut
In all the holes & nooks
Nor in the corner fail to put
A cubboard for the books
In all the holes & nooks
Nor in the corner fail to put
A cubboard for the books
Along the floor some sand Ill sift
To make it fit to live in
& then Ill thank ye for the gift
As somthing worth the giving
To make it fit to live in
& then Ill thank ye for the gift
As somthing worth the giving
| The early poems of John Clare | |