Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, AN UNFINISHED PICTURE, by NORMAN ROWLAND GALE



Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

AN UNFINISHED PICTURE, by                     Poet's Biography
First Line: Tis mary the milkmaid singing
Last Line: With richard the keeper whistling.
Subject(s): Courtship; Milk; Singing & Singers; Milkmen; Milkmaids; Songs


'TIS Mary the milkmaid singing,
A-singing, a-singing
So rarely and sweet that the lark at her feet,
All ready to start with a song in his heart,
Presses closer the nest with his warm little breast,
Forgetting his lay as he drinks in the sweet
Pure music of Mary singing.

'Tis Mary the milkmaid singing,
A-singing, a-singing
So rarely and plain that a man in the lane
Grows flushed in the face standing still in his place,
And moves his red lips as the melody slips
In a lovely and tender and womanly strain
From Mary the milkmaid singing.

'Tis Richard the keeper whistling,
A-whistling, a-whistling
So rarely and clear for the milkmaid to hear!
And she with a start puts her hand to the heart
That leaps in the nest of that tremulous breast
Beating time to the rollicking tune drawing near
With Richard the keeper whistling.





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