Henry Alford

Sonnet LIX. 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, Chequered 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.