Sunday, September 25, 2011

Thoughts Of Home



The Manor Farm

The rock-like mud unfroze a little and rills
Ran and sparkled down each side of the road
Under the catkins wagging in the hedge.
But earth would have her sleep out, spite of the sun;
Nor did I value that thin glilding beam
More than a pretty February thing
Till I came down to the old Manor Farm,
And church and yew-tree opposite, in age
Its equals and in size. The church and yew
And farmhouse slept in a Sunday silentness.
The air raised not a straw. The steep farm roof,
With tiles duskily glowing, entertained
The mid-day sun; and up and down the roof
White pigeons nestled. There was no sound but one.
Three cart-horses were looking over a gate
Drowsily through their forelocks, swishing their tails
Against a fly, a solitary fly.
The Winter's cheek flushed as if he had drained
Spring, Summer, and Autumn at a draught
And smiled quietly. But 'twas not Winter—
Rather a season of bliss unchangeable
Awakened from farm and church where it had lain
Safe under tile and thatch for ages since
This England, Old already, was called Merry.

~ Edward Thomas 1878-1917

10 comments:

Vicki said...

You post the most beautiful things!
Have a lovely evening...

Sharon said...

Lovely poem, pretty picture!

Enjoy your evening!

Susie Swanson said...

Beautiful poem and picture. I agree with Vicki, you post such beautiful things.. Just lovely and the music too..

Betsy Brock said...

Isn't that just lovely! I have a thing for thatched roofs. :)

Living In Williamsburg Virginia said...

Beautiful poem and picture. Very thought provoking.

Darryl and Ruth :)

Susie said...

Dear Jo...
Do you ever think your soul is from a long time ago? There seems to be such a softness about you. It's calming. Thank you sweet Jo. Smiles, Susie

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Charming photo charming verse! Wonderful!

MadSnapper said...

beautiful, I would love to stand and stare at that garden in real life

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Hello, I am back after taking a few weeks off from blogging. I'm glad to be back though and have missed you!!!!

Gorgeous photo and words...

Hugs,
Betsy

Betty said...

When I visit your blog and see the lovely pictures and posts it reminds me so much of my English friend Marion who now lives in Wales with husband John.

She so often sends pictures of St. Cadfan's Church and the surrounding country side.

I always enjoy visiting with you.

Blessings,
Betty @ Country Charm