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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


FOX FARM by JAMES HARRISON

Poet Analysis

First Line: IN THE PASTURE A SHIRE
Last Line: WOMAN'S NECK.
Subject(s): ANIMALS; FARM LIFE; FOXES; HORSES; WILDERNESS; AGRICULTURE; FARMERS;

In the pasture a shire
whose broad muscles once
drew a hayrake,
a plough,
can't hold the weight of his great
head and neck --
he will be fed to the foxes.

And the Clydesdales and saddle nags
that stray along the fence
with limps and sagging bellies,
with rheumy eyes (one
has no tail).

But the foxes
not having known field
or woods,
bred, born in long rows of hutches,
will die to adorn some
woman's neck.



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