Up from the woodland pasture Came farmer Thomson's son, Driving his cattle homeward At the setting of the sun. The long, narrow, winding pathway Was shaded here and there, By stately growing elm trees And fringed with flowers fair. Down this narrow, winding pathway, In homespun cotton gown, Came Gracie, the youngest daughter Of blacksmith William Brown. Leisurely she tripped along, Her feet were brown and bare; Over her shoulders fluttered Soft braids of auburn hair. She knew she would meet young Thomson, Her lover on the way, Driving his cows from the pasture His 'customed duty each day. But now as she sees him she blushes And twitches her pretty head, And nervously fingers her apron Of checkered white and red. How his eyes beam with love-light as He cries "Hello! Sweetheart Grace!" And throws his arms about her, And clasps her in fond embrace. Onward, and down the pathway The cattle slowly pass, Nibbling at blossomed daisies And bits of straggling grass, The golden sun has sunk behind The mountains steep and tall; And the moon is shining brightly, Twilight is over all. Among the stately elm trees The night winds softly sigh -- And still the lovers linger Beneath the moonlit sky. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...TO THE POOR by ANNA LETITIA BARBAULD OUR COUNTRY by JULIA WARD HOWE IN THE CHURCHYARD AT CAMBRIDGE by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW CRUCIFIXION TO THE WORLD BY THE CROSS OF CHRIST by ISAAC WATTS ON SENESIS' MUMMY by LEONIE ADAMS THE DEAD DRUMMER; A LEGEND OF SALISBURY PLAIN by RICHARD HARRIS BARHAM |