Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THANKS WHILST UNHARNESSING by FORD MADOX FORD

First Line: WEST'RING THE LAST SILVER LIGHT DOTH GLEAM
Last Line: (HE CLOSES THE STABLE DOOR AND ENTERS THE COTTAGE.)
Subject(s): GRATITUDE; HORSEBACK RIDING;
I

(@3He gets down from the cart.@1)
WEST'RING the last silver light doth gleam,
Whilst in the welling shimmer of the lamp
From the tired horse the blanketing of steam
Flickers and whirls aloft into the damp
Sharp winter darkness. In the deadened air
The long, still night doth settle everywhere.
And hark! there comes the rapt, sweet, crooning snatches
Of song from where the little robin watches
Close in the thorn, beyond the ring of light.

II

(@3He speaks towards the bushes.@1)
Softest of all the birds that sing at night,
For the most mellowest sound,
That the long year brings round,
Sweet robin. I give thanks and love you best
Of birds that nest.

(@3He follows the horse in, humming.@1)
Sing! it is well, though the rest of life be bitter,
Sing! (@3I swill the oats in the trough and loose the girth.@1)
Warble! It is well. (@3There's a rustle in the litter:
That's the old grey rat.@1) It is well upon the earth.

III
Clotht-up and snug and warm, a-munching oats
Old Tom doth make a comfortable sound,
A rhythmic symphony for your sweet notes.

(@3He speaks from the stable door.@1)
Small brother, flit in here, since all around
The frost hath gripped the ground;
And oh! I would not like to have you die.
We's help each other,
Little Brother Beady-eye.

(@3The Robin flits in.@1)
There—@3Sing!@1 Warm and mellow the lanthorn lights the stable.
@3Little brother, sing!@1 In-a-doors beside the hearth.
Slippers are a-toast, and the tea's upon the table.
@3Robin when you sing it is well upon the earth.
(He closes the stable door and enters the cottage.@1)



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