30. IN CITY STREETS
Reading edition
Yonder in the heather there's a bed for sleeping, Drink for one athirst, ripe blackberries to eat; Yonder in the sun the merry hares go leaping, And the pool is clear for travel-wearied feet.
Sorely throb my feet, a-tramping London highways, (Ah! the springy moss upon a northern moor!) Through the endless streets, the gloomy squares and byways, Homeless in the City, poor among the poor!
London streets are gold—ah, give me leaves a-glinting 'Midst grey dykes and hedges in the autumn sun! London water's wine, poured out for all unstinting— God! For the little brooks that tumble as they run!
Oh, my heart is fain to hear the soft wind blowing, Soughing through the fir-tops up on northern fells! Oh, my eye's an ache to see the brown burns flowing Through the peaty soil and tinkling heather-bells.
Ada Smith.
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31. MARGARET'S SONG
Too soothe and mild your lowland airs For one whose hope is gone: I'm thinking of a little tarn, Brown, very lone.
Would now the tall swift mists could lay Their wet grasp on my hair, And the great natures of the hills Round me friendly were.
In vain!—For taking hills your plains Have spoilt my soul, I think, But would my feet were going down Towards the brown tarn's brink.
Lascelles Abercrombie.