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Classic and Contemporary Poetry


AFTERMATH by WILLIAM SHARP

First Line: THE HERALD REDBREAST SINGS HIS WINTER LAYS
Last Line: FLAUNTS THE IMPERIAL CHRYSANTHEMUM.
Subject(s): FLOWERS; GARDENS & GARDENING; ROSES;

The herald redbreast sings his winter lays,
The fieldfares drift in flocks adown the weald:
The turbulent rooks gather on every field,
And clamorous starlings dare our garden-ways:

O beautiful garden-ways, not grown less dear
Because the rose has gone, and briony waves
Where lily and purple iris have their graves,
Or that, where violets were, the asters rear.

Lo, what a sheen of colour lingers still;
Though the autumnal rains and frost be come:
The tall dishevelled sunflowers; stooping, spill
Lost rays of sunshine o'er the tangled mould;
While everywhere, touched with a glory of gold,
Flaunts the imperial chrysanthemum.



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