Poetry Explorer


Classic and Contemporary Poetry


DEVON TO ME! by JOHN GALSWORTHY

First Line: WHERE MY FATHERS STOOD
Last Line: DEVON TO ME!
Subject(s): ANCESTORS & ANCESTRY; DEVONSHIRE, ENGLAND; HERITAGE; HEREDITY;

WHERE my fathers stood
Watching the sea,
Gale-spent herring boats
Hugging the lea;
There my Mother lives,
Moorland and tree.
Sight o' the blossom!
Devon to me!

Where my fathers walked,
Driving the plough;
Whistled their hearts out --
Who whistles now?
There my Mother burns
Fire-faggots free.
Scent o' the wood-smoke!
Devon to me!

Where my fathers sleep,
Turning to dust,
This old body throw
When die I must!

There my Mother calls,
Wakeful is She!
Sound o' the west-wind!
Devon to me!

Where my fathers lie,
When I am gone,
Who need pity me
Dead? Never one!
There my Mother clasps
Me. Let me be!
Feel o' the red earth!
Devon to me!



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