'Tis very quiet in the house Without the turbulent little flock. The sweet hours, quiet as a mouse, Steal slowly round the ticking clock. We gather honey while we may When children are at school all day. So peaceful with the song of birds, The water lapping on the shor; But evening brings the flocks and herds And happy children home once more. Blessed the hour in sun or rain That brings the children home again. 'Tis very quiet in the house Where children come not home at all. The day goes stiller than a mouse; Gulls and the sea-winds cry and cal: And two old shadows by the flame Talk of the days when children came. Oh, when the children are away, The house is very still and sweet. But if no evening, gold or grey, Brought the quick kiss, the flying feet. Heavily would the silence press The loneliness, the lonelines! | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A SHROPSHIRE LAD: 54 by ALFRED EDWARD HOUSMAN ON A CERTAIN LADY AT COURT by ALEXANDER POPE THE WIND SUFFERS by LAURA RIDING SATIRE: 2 by AULUS PERSIUS FLACCUS ETERNITY by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD ON THE DEATH OF THE PRINCESS CHARLOTTE by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD |