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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


TO AN HOUR-GLASS by JOHN CLARE

Poet Analysis

First Line: OLD-FASHIONED UNCOUTH MEASURER OF THE DAY
Last Line: AS EVERY DRAINED GLASS LEAVES ME NEARER HOME.
Subject(s): HOURGLASSES;

Old-fashioned uncouth measurer of the day,
I love to watch thy filtering burden pass;
Though some there are that live would bid thee stay;
But these view reasons through a different glass
From him, Time's meter, who addresses thee.
The world has joys which they may deem as such;
The world has wealth to season vanity,
And wealth is theirs to make their vainness much:
But small to do with joys and Fortune's fee
Hath he, Time's chronicler, who welcomes thee.
So jog thou on, through hours of doomed distress;
So haste thou on the glimpse of hopes to come;
As every sand-grain counts a trouble less,
As every drained glass leaves me nearer home.



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