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John Clare

 

John Crome Mousehold Heath Norwich 1818-20
Mousehold Heath was common land near Norwich that was largely enclosed by 1814. Painting by John Crome


To John Clare

    Well, honest John, how fare you now at home?
    The spring is come, and birds are building nests;
    The old cock robin to the stye is come,
    With olive feathers and its ruddy breast;
    And the old cock, with wattles and red comb,
    Struts with the hens, and seems to like some best,
    Then crows, and looks about for little crumbs,
    Swept out by little folks an hour ago;
    The pigs sleep in the stye; the bookman comes--
    The little boy lets home-close nesting go,
    And pockets tops and taws, where daisies bloom,
    To look at the new number just laid down,
    With lots of pictures, and good stories too,
    And Jack the Giant-killer's high renown.

John Ashbery

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