Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, BIRDS' LAMENT, by JOHN CLARE


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Classic and Contemporary Poetry

BIRDS' LAMENT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: Oh, says the linnet, if I sing
Last Line: But after her I'll whoop and hollo.
Subject(s): Birds; Love - Loss Of


Oh, says the linnet, if I sing,
My love forsook me in the spring,
And nevermore will I be seen
Without my satin gown of green.
Oh, says the pretty-feathered jay,
Now my love is fled away
For the memory of my dear
A feather of each sort I'll wear.
Oh, says the sparrow, my love is gone,
She so much that I doted on,
And e'er since for that selfsame thing
I've made a vow I ne'er will sing.
Oh, says the water-wag-my-tail,
I courted a fair one but could not prevail,
I could not with my love prevail,
So that is the reason I wag my tail.
Oh, says the pretty speckled thrush,
That changes its note from bush to bush,
My love has left me here alone
And I fear she never will return.
Oh, says the rook, and eke the crow,
The reason why in black we go --
Because our love has us forsook,
So pity us, poor crow and rook.
Oh, says the owl, my love is gone,
It was her I doted on;
Since she has gone I know not where to follow,
But after her I'll whoop and hollo.








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