From Helpston in rural Northamptonshire, John Clare was born in 1793. He is now regarded as the most important poet of the natural world from Britain. He wrote many poems, prose and letters about love, sex, corruption and politics, environmental and social change, poverty and folk life. Even in his 'madness', his talents were not diminished. Ronald Blythe, past President of the Clare Society, saw Clare as "... England's most articulate village voice".
Clare died, aged 71, in 1864.
Pages
▼
from The Summons
Then the old man passed a prison & in passing made a call He thought the folks in such a place Were knaves & robbers all Yet he found to his supprise What he knew not all his time That those sent there for speaking truth Exceeded those for crime
pretty much the same today i fear
ReplyDelete