Poem by Henry Alford

Written at Ampton, Suffolk, January, 1838

ONCE more I stray among this wilderness
Of ancient trees, and through the rustling fern,
Golden and sere, brush forward; at each turn
Meeting fresh avenues in winter dress
Of long gray moss, or yellow lichen bright;
While the long lines of intercepted shade,
Spread into distance through the turfy glade,
Checkered with rosy paths of evening light.
Here first I learned to tune my youthful thoughts
To themes of blessed import: woods and sky,
And waters, as they rushed or slumbered by,
For my poetic soul refreshment brought;
And now within me rise, unbidden long,
Fresh springs of life, fresh themes of earnest song.

1. Ampton, Suffolk
2. Sunset at Burton Pynsent, Somerset
3. An Evening in Autumn, near Nether Stowey, Somerset
4. 1846
5. Haddon Hall, Derbyshire, July, 1836

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