Many a time I had there,
In the Oak-tree's bower,
Looking out, looking out,
Lost to the company,
In the Summer's long field,
In the Summers-long nest,
The Lark is a-giddying,
Lost to the company,
In the dingles woods,
By the little stream,
Leaping bank to bank,
Blackbirds scold me home.
Many a time I had there,
By the path-worn way,
Lost to the company,
In the dingles woods,
All along the wood-bank,
By the little stream,
Lost to the company,
Then, a wild thing,
Leaping to and fro',
Whipped me with a stick,
And while I dabbed the sting,
Emerald-eyed, she watched.
Many a time I had there,
Running from the foe,
Lost to the company,
By the path-worn way,
By the dingles woods,
By the little stream,
Lost to the company,
Peter, Clive and Greg,
Blackberry and apple,
A pellet for the stump,
And the Beech affirms,
'RW Loves TC'.
© R. Frank Wilson 2024