Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


LITTLE TROTTY WAGTAIL by JOHN CLARE

Poet Analysis

First Line: LITTLE TROTTY WAGTAIL, HE WENT IN THE RAIN
Last Line: SO, LITTLE MASTER WAGTAIL, I'LL BID YOU A GOOD-BYE.

Little Trotty Wagtail, he went in the rain,
And twittering, tottering sideways he ne'er got straight again.
He stooped to get a worm, and looked up to get a fly,
And then he flew away ere his feathers they were dry.
Little Trotty Wagtail, he waddled in the mud,
And left his little footmarks, trample where he would.
He waddled in the water-pudge, and waggle went his tail,
And chirrupt up his wings to dry upon the garden rail.
Little Trotty Wagtail, you nimble all about,
And in the dimpling water-pudge you waddle in and out;
Your home is nigh at hand, and in the warm pig-stye,
So, little Master Wagtail, I'll bid you a good-bye.




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