Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, THE THREE POPLARS, by PHILIP FRANCIS LITTLE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

THE THREE POPLARS, by                    
First Line: I shall have three grey poplar trees above me when I sleep
Last Line: But upright as the staff of one who watcheth o'er his sheep.
Subject(s): Night; Poplar Trees; Sleep; Bedtime


I SHALL have three grey poplar trees above me when I sleep;
the poplars will not sway or swing, nor like the willow weep,
but upright as the staff of one who watcheth o'er his sheep.

Some fount may open silvern lips near by; not far away
the harvester his voice may lift in solemn joy; three grey
great poplars will refresh him with their shade in the noonday.

And when to every creature Night respose and respite brings,
profound my sleep, the while to me the dew-wet meadow clings,
soft garment of the Poor, which is the cerecloth, too, of Kings.

As when the Shadow Hand of Eventide the toiling Bee
at last will homeward guide, and guide unto her the sheltering tree
the weary singing Bird, so may the kind night come for me!

I shall have three grey poplar trees above me when I sleep;
the poplars will not sway or swing, nor like the willow weep,
but upright as the staff of one who watcheth o'er his sheep.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


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