In addition to swans on the river and autumnal trees by the water, this little flock of sheep appeared on the far bank of the Itchen as we walked along the path with our friends.
They stood and stared and have reminded me of the poem of William Henry Davies:
'What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.
No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.
No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.
No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars, like skies at night.
No time to turn at Beauty's glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.
No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.
A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.'
A small and belated September update for 2024, where I am still, after many years' membership, on 365 Project, also now posting elsewhere but wanting...
A beautiful capture of this nice sheep`s between the trees, I only see them on dykes and in meadows. Lovely poem. But my opinion is that nothing is that important or it can be done..... Tomorrow.
A beautiful capture they should know you next time Hazel -- Love the way they stand and stare and I also love that little poem . Love their black knees --I wonder if the saying having their hearts on their sleeves originates here --the black knees look somehow heart-shaped !!
Wonderful capture and lovely sheep staring at you no wonder the poem came to mind. A long time since I read that great poem thank you for reminding me of the words .Fav.
I like those black knees too, Sam!
Oh dear, another sign to add to those I've heard already!
The poem was read at a friend's humanist funeral.
They do look rather heart shaped - hadn't noticed it till you mentioned it!
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