Superstitious Dream (excerpt)

Strange, as I read this - I am currently assembling Chapbook No.9 'The Gothic John Clare" - I feel Clare speaking of the disastrous Climate Change policy of most of the world's governments - a wringing of hands and not much else.  Already we are seeing the results of many decades of idle chatter and no coherent change to protect the environment.  Clare of course wrote this long poem about 'judgement' but perhaps that is not far from what awaits our childrens childrens children?

Fierce ragd destruction sweeping oer the land

& the last counted moment seemd at hand

As scales near equal hang the earnest eyes

In doubtful balance which shall fall or rise

So in the moment of that crashing blast

Eyes hearts & hopes pausd trembling for the last

& sudden thunder claps with yawning rents

Gashd the frail garments of the elements

& bursting wirlwinds wingd in purple flame

& lightnings flash in stronger terrors came

Burning all life & nature were they fell

& leaving earth as desolate as hell

The pleasant hues of woods & fields was past

& natures beautys had enjoyd their last

The colord flower the green of field & tree

What they had been forever ceasd to be

Grass shriveld brown in miserable hues

& showers of fire dryd up the hissing dews

Leaves crumbld ashes in the airs hot breath

& all awaited universal death

The sleeping birds scard from their mossy nest

Beat through the evil air in vain for rest

& many a bird the withering shades among

Wakend to perish oer its brooded young

& nightingale that waken with the moon

Dyd in the midst of its unfinishd tune

The cattle startld with the sudden fright

Sickend from food & maddend into flight

& steed and beast in plunging speed pursued

The desperate struggle of the multitude

The faithful dog yet knew its masters face

& cringing followd with a fearful pace

& joind the piteous yell with panting breath

While blasing lightnings followd fast with death

& as destruction stopt the vain retreat

They dropt & dying lickd their owners feet

MP I 327
(lines 49-84)