 | John Clare: The Midsummer Cushion |  |
PASTORAL LIBERTY
O for the unshackled mood as free as air& pleasure wild as birds upon the wing
The unwronged impulse won from seasons fair
Like birds perrenial travels with the spring
Come peace & joy the unworn path to trace
Crossing ling-heaths & hazel crowded glen
Where health salutes me with its ruddy face
& joy breaths freely from the strife of men
O lead me any where but in the crowd
On some lone island rather would I be
Than in the world worn knowledge noising loud
Wealth gathering up & loosing—leave with me
Calm joy & humble hope from quiet won
To live in peace unhurt & hurting none
| John Clare: The Midsummer Cushion | |