Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE WOOD FIRE; A FRAGMENT, by THOMAS HARDY


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE WOOD FIRE; A FRAGMENT, by                 Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography
First Line: This is a brightsome blaze you've lit, goodfriend, tonight!'
Last Line: "and it's worthless for much else, what with cuts and stains thereon."


"THIS is a brightsome blaze you've lit, good friend, to-night!"
"-- Aye, it has been the bleakest spring I have felt for years,
And nought compares with cloven logs to keep alight:
I buy them bargain-cheap of the executioners,
As I dwell near; and they wanted the crosses out of sight
By Passover, not to affront the eyes of visitors.

"Yes, they're from the crucifixions last week-ending
At Kranion. We can sometimes use the poles again,
But they get split by the nails, and 'tis quicker work than mending
To knock together new; though the uprights now and then
Serve twice when they're let stand. But if a feast's impending,
As lately, you've to tidy up for the comers' ken.

"Though only three were impaled, you may know it didn't pass off
So quietly as was wont? That Galilee carpenter's son
Who boasted he was king, incensed the rabble to scoff:
I heard the noise from my garden. This piece is the one he was on. . . .
Yes, it blazes up well if lit with a few dry chips and shroff;
And it's worthless for much else, what with cuts and stains thereon."





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net