In Valleys of Springs and Rivers

Read 'In Valleys of Springs and Rivers' by 'A E Housman' and provide your summary and literary analysis in the comments section below.

In Valleys of Springs and Rivers by A E Housman

 "Clunton and Clunbury,
Clungunford and Clun,
Are the quietest places
Under the sun."


In valleys of springs and rivers, 
By Ony and Teme and Clun, 
The country for easy livers, 
The quietest under the sun, 

We still had sorrows to lighten, 
One could not be always glad, 
And lads knew trouble at Knighton 
When I was a Knighton lad. 

By bridges that Thames runs under, 
In London, the town built ill, 
'Tis sure small matter for wonder 
If sorrow is with one still. 

And if as a lad grows older 
The troubles he bears are more, 
He carries his griefs on a shoulder 
That handselled them long before. 

Where shall one halt to deliver 
This luggage I'd lief set down? 
Not Thames, not Teme is the river, 
Nor London nor Knighton the town: 

'Tis a long way further than Knighton, 
A quieter place than Clun, 
Where doomsday may thunder and lighten 
And little 'twill matter to one.

Form: Ballad

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