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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


A WOODLAND SEAT by JOHN CLARE

Poet Analysis

First Line: WITHIN THIS PLEASANT WOOD, BESIDE THE LANE
Last Line: LIFE MAY MEET JOYS WHERE FEW INTRUDERS BE.
Subject(s): COUNTRY LIFE;

Within this pleasant wood, beside the lane,
Let's sit, and rest us from the burning sun,
And hide us in the leaves, and entertain
An hour away; -- to watch the wood-brook run
Through heaps of leaves, drop dribbling after drop,
Pining for freedom, till it climbs along
In eddying fury o'er the foamy top;
And then loud laughing sings its wimpling song,
Kissing the misty dewberry by its side,
With eager salutations, and in joy;
Making the flag-leaves dance in graceful pride,
Giving and finding joy. -- Here we employ
An hour right profitably, thus to see
Life may meet joys where few intruders be.



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