Under clear blue skies in the month of June All the meadows rang to a merry tune; While the brawny arms wielded scythes with grace In those fair, romantic and joyous days. There were lusty boys who would court the maids To the rhythm and tune of the gleaming blades, As they vied the others' prowess and skill With their rippling muscles and hearts athrill. There the younger lads would be struck with awe By their watching human and nature's law; For a constant current of life would flow, But the end and aim scarcely one could know; It amused them quite -- yet it gripped them there Like a yearning wish and a fervent prayer To be growing up and contest their claims In the joy of life and its greater aims. At the close of day, when the work would cease, When the meadows lay in their wistful peace, There were distant sounds that were faintly heard, So the hearts of boys were to musing stirred. To the creak of wheels, going home at night On the swaying load through the amber light, In the stillness father sang ballads old That recounted love and great acts extolled. I recall delights that again I crave, When the new-mown hay spills a fragrant wave Over meadows fair in the month of June. . . . I could feel contented if dad could croon -- Driving home at night on the haying rack. It is vain desire to be longing back; I cannot again be that carefree lad, But I pray that I might be more like dad! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FELICIA HEMANS by LETITIA ELIZABETH LANDON THE TRAGICAL HISTORY OF THE LIFE AND DEATH OF DOCTOR FAUSTUS by CHRISTOPHER MARLOWE MODERN LOVE: 17 by GEORGE MEREDITH THE BABIE by JEREMIAH EAMES RANKIN A PAUSE by CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI CITY ROOFS by CHARLES HANSON TOWNE SONG OF THE BANNER AT DAY-BREAK by WALT WHITMAN |