Monday, February 14, 2011

THE ORCHARD — Laurence Binyon (1869-1943)

Paul Gaugin: Orchard Below Bihorel Church


      Almond, apple, and peach, 
      Walnut, cherry, plum, 
      Ash, chestnut, and beech, 
      And lime and sycamore 
      We have planted for days to come; 

      No stony monument 
      But growing, changing things, 
      Leaf, fruit, and honied scent, 
      Bloom that the bees explore, 
      Sprays where the bird sings. 

      In other Junes than ours 
      When the boughs spread and rise 
      Tall into leafy towers 
      To grace and guard this small 
      Corner of paradise; 

      When petals red and white 
      Resign to warming air, 
      Without speech or sight 
      From our hands they will fall 
      On happy voices there.

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