(Hot Summer Day by Fyodor Vasilyev, 1850-1873,
Russian painter)
John Clare loved the countryside. He had a gift of knowing and seeing what was going on around him in nature. In his quiet way, in his many poems, he reminds his readers that beauty is there to be shared.
SUMMER MOODS
I love at eventide to walk alone
Down narrow lanes o’erhung with dewy thorn
Where from the long grass underneath, the snail,
Jet black, creeps out and sprouts his timid horn.
I love to muse o’er meadows newly mown
Where withering grass perfumes the sultry air;
Where bees search round, with sad and weary drone
In vain for flowers that bloomed but newly there;
While in the juicy corn the hidden quail
Cries “wet my foot!” and hid as thoughts unborn;
The fairy-like and seldom-seen landrail
Utters “craik, craik” like voices underground,
Right glad to meet the evening’s dewy veil
And see the light fade into gloom around.
~ John Clare (1793-1864), English Romantic poet
I really enjoyed the poem and the affiliated photo that depicts this story.
ReplyDeleteWhen I read it, I envisioned sitting alongside a summer road, much like the one in the photo.
Art, truly brings words to life!
His poem exudes the simplicity of summer beauty.
I love at eventide to walk alone
Down narrow lanes o’erhung with dewy thorn
Where from the long grass underneath, the snail,
Jet black, creeps out and sprouts his timid horn.
Thank you for sharing!
Regards,
Peg D.