Bread and Circuses

Chapter 88: THE REGRET

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About This Book

A lyrical collection of short poems ranges from quiet country scenes and childhood memories to urban sketches and religious reflections. The poet renders streams, gardens, market sellers, and domestic interiors in close sensory detail while pairing everyday observation with moral and spiritual meditation. Animal vignettes and playful pieces for children sit alongside elegies, prayers, and ironic portraits of modern life, producing tones of humour, tenderness, and solemnity. Varied forms and concise portraits move between pastoral lanes, London streets, and intimate household moments while attending to time, sorrow, and faith.

THE REGRET

The mallow blooms in late July Along the dusty track To Romsey where the waters run And Norman stones confront the sun— Ah, Dear, that all our work were done And we were getting back!

The whinchat in the willow runs From silver stair to stair, Cocks his white eyebrow, tunes his throat And plans his little creaking note To please the leaves that past him float— Ah, Dear, that we were there!

Now all the world is carrying hay And all the world is wise, And O to trudge it once again There in the wake of a green wain That over-tops the rustling lane Beneath familiar skies!